Following the prime minister’s address on the incompatibility between ministerial and parliamentary positions, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis spoke on Parapolitika 90.1 radio station, on the show “She and I” with journalists Thanasis Fouskidis and Stella Gantona. He discussed the upgrade of MPs’ roles while addressing scenarios about early elections. He also answered questions regarding wiretapping, OPEKEPE agricultural payments agency, lifting of parliamentary immunity, and measures amid the energy crisis. When asked about government measures against energy price increases, Hatzidakis emphasized “we are not at the point of fuel vouchers,” while regarding early elections he questioned: “With the war currently ongoing, if Mitsotakis and the New Democracy government don’t exist, what will exist from the other side?” Regarding Adonis Georgiadis’ statements about European prosecutor intervention in Greek affairs, Hatzidakis did not adopt this characterization but responded: “I agree with Kyriakos Mitsotakis. We have requested acceleration of procedures. It would be good for this to happen so there is a clear picture.”
Kostis Hatzidakis: Key points from his interview on Parapolitika 90.1
On ministerial and parliamentary incompatibility announced by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Kostis Hatzidakis emphasized: “Constitutional revision is an opportunity for restart. Within this framework, the prime minister presented the proposal that will be put to public dialogue. This isn’t heard for the first time in Greece. In France, what our prime minister presented is in effect. He also raised the issue of upgrading the MP’s role. We should think outside conventional wisdom from what we’re accustomed to. The critical issue is whether something is illegal or not. That’s what we need to examine. From 2019 onwards we have made a series of reforms.”
On OPEKEPE: “I swear on behalf of SYRIZA and PASOK that it’s impossible they hadn’t requested favors. There were sensitivity moves. Regarding immunity lifting, the colleagues themselves will request it and this is to their credit. It doesn’t mean whoever has immunity lifted goes to trial. Explanations must be given within the preliminary investigation framework and there must be a decision for referral or not to trial. If we did something different at this stage, it would give the impression of cover-up.”
On the prime minister’s criticism of the European prosecutor: “This evidence is from 2021 that emerged from legal connections by prosecuting authorities. The European prosecutor came subsequently. What we ask, and because the issue has intense political color, the involved parties have an obligation to pursue cases as quickly as possible. And statistically, look how many cases starting from prosecutorial authorities don’t have acquittal results?”
On Adonis Georgiadis and claims about European prosecutor intervention: “We have requested acceleration of procedures. It’s good for this to happen so there’s a clear picture.” He left hints about intervention. “The goal is to move institutionally and responsibly without there being a sense of cover-up.”
On Kostas Karamanlis not being a candidate again: “This move says something, it’s not self-evident in Greek affairs. Some are bothered. He made this decision that we shouldn’t underestimate. And in this case there’s the presumption of innocence.”
On Livanos and Arabatzis and ministerial responsibility: “Preliminary investigation must be requested.”
On the Middle East war and fuel vouchers: “As long as the war continues it will have adverse effects on growth rate and inflation which will increase. Greece has credible foreign policy. We don’t have delusions that we’re a superpower. We have two intervention packages. We’re not there, proceeding with fuel vouchers. We understand the implications. We have money set aside to intervene. We monitor everything, you see different things one day and different the next. The measures we’ve taken will go until end of July. Support to citizens goes into their pockets.”
On wiretapping and Dilian’s program: “I can’t give an answer, but justice is investigating. I can’t say right now what’s happening. By nature of things nothing can remain hidden. The government has made institutional changes. The opposition chooses opposition decisions à la carte. What we need to know is that nothing can remain hidden.”
On possible early elections: “Mr. Androulakis returned and again requested elections. I spontaneously said he reminded me of the lamb wishing Easter would come, we know where he stands in polls. The ‘nothing is ruled out’ was a message of determination. We’ll continue forward. With the war currently ongoing, if Mitsotakis and the New Democracy government don’t exist, what will exist from the other side? Mr. Tsipras wants to return us to the forgotten era, Mr. Androulakis is a shadow of old PASOK, there’s no credibility. Modestly and seriously we’ll say ‘yes we’ve made mistakes but also steps forward.’ The opposition is beneath the circumstances.”
