Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I cannot remain silent in the face of the normalization of toxicity – My job is not to back down from any dysfunction

This weekly review habit started as a more personal contact with you. It’s not a news bulletin, nor a formal service announcement. I choose to speak more directly with you this way. And precisely because I want this relationship to be honest, I cannot start today writing about what happened last week as if nothing is happening. One of my closest associates, Giorgos Mylonakis, is fighting a very big battle right now. My thoughts, all our thoughts, are with him and his family, with the wish that he emerges victorious.

At the same time, however, I cannot remain silent in the face of the normalization of toxicity we have been experiencing recently, culminating in recent weeks. I refer to the ease with which unfounded accusations are fired and the violence of public obsessive targeting based on fabricated vile lies, often emanating from character assassination contractors who cloak themselves in the mantle of investigative journalism. This is fed by anonymous internet profiles and unfortunately easily adopted even by opposition party leaders. It is outrageous and deeply sad. What is required now, more than ever, is the creation of a solid front against this phenomenon.

Despite the burden, I must continue. Governing the country doesn’t stop, and we have critical issues ahead that we must address. During the recent parliamentary debate, I clearly stated my position regarding the cases being investigated around OPEKEPE. We primarily took responsibility for cleaning up a deeply sick organization, without offsetting. My job is not to back down from any dysfunction that causes inequalities and injustices against real producers. I also explained that there is a difference between the legitimate interest of an MP in serving a citizen and illegality outside their parliamentary duties. That’s why I welcomed the decision of the 11 members of our Parliamentary Group to accept the lifting of their immunity. The fastest way to prove their innocence. Everyone, obviously, can have an opinion about each of the 11 cases being examined. As MPs, however, especially at this time, we have a duty not to become either investigators or judges. The separation of powers is the foundation of the rule of law and the only way to ensure there are no shadows in any case that will ultimately be archived. Much more importantly, we must not leave room for arguments about any shadow in our stance.

The same debate also showed that the problem of agricultural subsidies has a long past where the responsibilities of all parties are reflected. After all, clientelist relationships weren’t born yesterday. Today, however, they are being abolished thanks to this government’s decision to place OPEKEPE under independent tax administration and clean it up. So just as no one now requests a tax refund they’re not entitled to, with the new system all mediation aimed at making irregular payments ceases. In Parliament, I also expressed my support for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. But also the need, as it takes its first steps, for it to prove its objectivity and that it can do its job properly. Avoiding selective leaks and staying away from any involvement in domestic political competition. Most importantly, however, proceeding swiftly with the prescribed procedures so that our MPs stop being hostages of impressions. Because it is Justice that must first and timely clarify the landscape.

We therefore remain steadfast in our principled position in favor of lifting immunity. As well as steadfast in our faith in the swift vindication of our colleagues.

Finally, there is another critical conclusion that emerged on Thursday: that only New Democracy has a plan to finally uproot the clientelist state and modernize public life. This effort has already begun with dozens of reforms from EFKA pensions that are issued in 40 to 60 days to the digital land registry, digital traffic violation notices and hundreds of digital services at https://www.gov.gr/. But also with a core of 25 constitutional changes that will lead Greece, as it completes 200 years since the birth of the modern Greek state, to uproot every clientelist relationship. Bold cuts of continuity in progress and rupture with the bad past. Unfortunately, the Opposition found nothing to counter with. It remained silent and inadequate once again regarding the present and future of the country.