US Ambassador's Remarks in Athens Spark Diplomatic Scandal

Remarks by the US ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, about the possibility of changing governments have triggered a diplomatic scandal whose repercussions have reached Romania. An investigation published by The Wall Street Journal, which has led media to use the label “KimberlyGate”, is complemented by reporting from the Financial Times.

Argument at the dinner

According to the reports, official dinner was held at the US embassy in Athens on 18 March, attended by more than a dozen people, including politicians, embassy staff and military representatives. During the event, the ambassador argued with Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou in front of the other guests.

She commented on the political situation in Romania and hinted at the impending collapse of the government of the then prime minister, Ilie Bolojan. She said that this could be done to any country, including Greece. Papastavrou replied that the United States cannot change Greece's government because it was elected by the people.

The energy project in the background

The remarks are linked to a regional initiative, the Vertical Gas Corridor. Its aim is to carry American liquefied natural gas from Greece through Bulgaria and Romania to Central Europe. The Romanian government under Bolojan had reportedly resisted signing long-term contracts to buy US gas above the market price, viewing them as economically unfavourable.

Fall of the Romanian government

Shortly after the ambassador met leaders of Romania's Social Democratic Party at a restaurant in Bucharest, the party left the ruling coalition. In May, the Bolojan government fell following a no-confidence vote. Some media suggested that aggressive US energy diplomacy and the ambassador's pressure had grown into direct interference in the country's sovereignty.