Greece’s Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, appeared on the talk show “Black Box,” where he sat down for a wide-ranging interview with journalist Thanasis Fouskidis. The minister touched on immigration policy, the European Union’s asylum framework, and several lesser-known aspects of his personal life.
Thanos Plevris on migration policy and the legacy he wants to leave behind
Thanos Plevris spoke at length about Greece’s approach to receiving migrants and refugees, drawing a parallel between Ceuta in Spain — and the recent events that sent shockwaves across Europe — and the situation along the Evros border region.
He also stated that he would like to be remembered — and believes he will be — as a Migration Minister who left a lasting legacy for those who come after him. He further expressed his conviction that the stance widely labeled as “tough” on asylum and deportation issues is now being vindicated across Europe.
The Mazonakis doctor and his own harrowing health ordeal
The minister also recalled his past acquaintance with the doctor currently facing charges in connection with the death of popular Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis. He went on to open up about his own frightening health crisis and the dramatic moments he experienced while on a ventilator.
As he described it, his wife was faced with an agonizing decision after doctors informed her that he might need to undergo surgery — a procedure that came with a survival rate of just 20%.
Plevris also discussed his relationship with his father, and weighed in on the upcoming parliamentary elections. He made clear that only the leader of the top-polling party can become prime minister, and argued that New Democracy and Kyriakos Mitsotakis are well-positioned to convince voters they represent the best choice for the next four years.
