The Greek President's office finds itself embroiled in an international controversy following revelations that Katerina Sakellaropoulou hosted Kimberly Guilfoyle, fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., on a wild boar hunting trip in northern Greece.
Diplomatic Hospitality or Political Misstep?
President Sakellaropoulou extended what was described as "private hospitality" to the American political figure during her visit to the Prespa region in northern Greece. The hunting expedition, which took place in an area known for its wild boar population, has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles and drawn sharp criticism from multiple quarters.
Animal Rights Outrage
Animal welfare organisations have expressed profound disappointment with the President's participation in the hunting activity. The Greek Animal Welfare Fund released a statement condemning the event, calling it "inappropriate for a head of state to engage in and promote activities that involve killing wildlife for sport."
Local conservation groups have joined the chorus of disapproval, noting that the wild boar population in the region plays a crucial role in the ecosystem and questioning the message sent by such high-profile hunting activities.
Political Fallout
The opposition Syriza party has seized upon the incident, with spokesperson Nasos Iliopoulos stating: "At a time when Greek citizens are facing serious economic challenges, the President's decision to engage in controversial leisure activities with foreign political figures shows poor judgment."
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Greek diplomacy, as the country seeks to maintain positive international relationships while addressing domestic concerns about wildlife conservation and appropriate use of presidential privileges.
Background of the Visit
Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and prominent Republican fundraiser, was visiting Greece as part of a European tour. While the exact purpose of her meeting with the Greek President remains unclear, sources suggest it may have been arranged through mutual political connections.
The Prespa region, where the hunting occurred, is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, but has also been the subject of conservation debates in recent years.
Presidential Defence
Sources close to the President's office have defended the encounter as a routine diplomatic engagement, emphasizing that private hospitality toward visiting foreign figures is common practice. They stress that the hunting activity was conducted in accordance with Greek laws and regulations.
However, critics argue that the optics of the event - particularly given Guilfoyle's high-profile political connections and the controversial nature of sport hunting - make this far from routine presidential behaviour.
The incident continues to generate discussion about the boundaries of diplomatic hospitality and the symbolic importance of presidential activities in modern Greece.
