What do the Greeks think about the allies?
War Greece – Turkey: What the Greeks think about the possibility of conflict and what about the allies – How do they see Tayyip Erdogan
Greek-Turkish relations present a universal show in the eyes of the Greeks, according to its political barometer Public Topic for the month of October 2022.
79% of Greek citizens (almost 8 out of 10) consider that the relations between Greece and Turkey have worsened today compared to a year ago. Just 1 in 5 (19%) believe they remain in (worsening) ‘stagnation’.
In the last two decades, a small improvement in the Greek-Turkish relations is recorded in the surveys of Public Issue, only in the period of the K. Karamanlis government (2004-2009) and in the period of 2013 (Samara-Venizelos government)
Suggestions
The possibility of a Greek-Turkish war has consistently occupied a significant part of Greek public opinion for the last 5 years. Today, 42% (4 in 10) consider this possibility very or fairly likely.
Also, in the last 5 years, the portion of Greek public opinion that believes that the possibility of a Greek-Turkish war is possible, has increased significantly (In fact, it has more than doubled). A similar estimate was recorded in 1999.
Greece-Turkey War: Possible area of hot episode
About 6 in 10 Greek citizens (58%) believe that, if there is a hot episode between Greece and Turkey, this will take place in the Aegean.
Furthermore, 19% (just 5% in 2018), i.e. 1 in 5, believe that this is likely to occur on all 3 fronts (Thrace, Aegean, Cyprus).
Result in a possible Greco-Turkish war
In the event of a war with Turkey, today, 28% of Greek citizens (almost 3 out of 10) predict a victory for Greece, while only 8% predict a victory for Turkey.
On the other hand, more than 1/3 (37%) think there will be a balance or neither (potentially no one wins).
Also, a significant part of public opinion, 23% (1/4) has no opinion on the issue.
Compared to last May’s measurement, an increase (+5%, 28% vs. 23%) shows the percentage of those predicting a Greek victory, while a decrease (-4%, 8% vs. 12% previously), a Turkish victory .
Allied country of Greece
Greek public opinion appears to be completely divided in relation to the existence of allied countries that will fight on the side of Greece, in a possible Greco-Turkish war.
44% of citizens believe that such countries exist, but exactly the same percentage believe that no country will do it.
In the event of a war, 33% of Greeks (1 in 3) believe that France will fight on Greece’s side. Only 11% believe that the US will be involved accordingly.
With the exception of Cyprus (14%), public opinion’s expectations for the remaining “potential” alliances are minimal.
Popularity of Recep Tayyip Erdogan
The image of the Turkish President in the Greek public opinion has remained -constantly- for the last 6 years completely negative (92% of negative opinions are recorded).
The turnaround in public opinion compared to the 2000s, when a significant portion expressed a favorable opinion, is striking.