Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis began his opening remarks in the parliamentary debate at the political leaders’ level with a full-frontal attack on opposition leader Nikos Androulakis. Mitsotakis noted that “I regret the content and the timing. You choose to use the parliamentary session to rehash the past.”
According to the Prime Minister, today they should “be discussing the issues that concern society,” referring to the crisis in the Middle East. He added that “I point out the contradiction. What are we discussing today in the Greek Parliament versus what society is discussing? We fail to see our country integrated in a changing world.” According to the Prime Minister, “in an era when forecasts predict prolonged conflict, we fail to see the obvious.”
Regarding the content of the proposal submitted by Nikos Androulakis, Mitsotakis spoke about a state that serves citizens with transparency and effectiveness. As he said, “has the country progressed or regressed over the past 7 years? Who is the reliable judge of the actual situation in the country? The objective judge of progress can only be institutions and organizations located outside our homeland.” Indeed, as he said, “we are a government that complies with the directives of the European Commission.”
“Do you agree that credible international organizations have no reason to favor the government or present research with foreign criteria,” the Prime Minister said, presenting the Economist’s Democracy Index survey. According to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, “the OECD welcomes what you condemn. You have your party agenda, Mr. Androulakis. I invoke real data, as the rule of law cannot become an easy label for isolated incidents, it cannot become a political stunt,” he added. “This specific term can only be approached through the various pillars that constitute it. It primarily means judicial independence. Rule of law means not waiting years for your case to be tried in court. At the Athens Court of First Instance, trials happen within seven months. Wills are published within seven months,” he added.
Political favors
Referring to the discussion about political favors and the OPEKEPE scandal, he commented sarcastically that “political favors – according to PASOK – started in 2019… Let me laugh.” “Rule of law means medicines reaching the home of a cancer patient. Rule of law is also the digital work card that protects the worker. Rule of law is also the very important measure against digital addiction among minors,” he said. “Do you believe, Mr. Androulakis, that at Easter dinner tables people were discussing what we will discuss today?” he wondered.
During his opening remarks, the Prime Minister also referred to the lifting of parliamentary immunity. As he said, “remember that lifting immunity does not imply guilt. For an MP, it is the fastest way to vindication. If you talk about a majority of defendants… Look in the mirror, because you are a minority of defendants,” while adding that more opposition MPs have had their immunity lifted than government MPs.
Regarding OPEKEPE, he said that “it is wrong to say that Greece is a protagonist in European prosecutor investigations. This institution was supported by this government. It is respectable and does its job, but nothing can justify investigations in installments and selective leaks to media. We all know this very well – there’s a difference between an MP’s interest in a citizen who comes to their office and proven illegality. Our MPs courageously requested their immunity be lifted, and I welcome their initiative to prove their innocence. I ask the European prosecutor to clear up the matter quickly and demonstrate their neutrality practically.” At another point, he announced that the government will soon take initiative to speed up the resolution of such cases.
On surveillance
Regarding wiretapping, the Prime Minister spoke of the “EYP case,” saying that “political responsibility was assumed then, and safety valves were institutionalized.” “I am surprised that the Supreme Court, Mr. Androulakis, condemns Golden Dawn but wrongly condemns wiretapping? Let’s let justice do its work the way it knows how. There are still many steps in this case. I said it in 2022, I repeat it today. As Prime Minister, I will not undermine EYP’s work,” he added, emphasizing that its action is crucial for the country’s security. “Secret services may have many successes that must remain secret. It is unacceptable to sabotage their action,” the Prime Minister added.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis referenced Giorgos Mylonakis, saying that “behaviors and words can become bullets. Two weeks ago, Documento newspaper published this front page about Mr. Mylonakis. An incredible case. I saw Giorgos Mylonakis after this article was published, having to prove that all this is vile slander. Have you ever considered how easily you attack your political opponents and their families with unacceptable characterizations? Yes, Mr. Famellos, the same Documento that was shooting at my family, aiming to destroy my family. This is who you are. Everything goes into the mill of political confrontation,” he emphasized regarding the Cyprus Sandy case, where publications and reports mentioned Giorgos Mylonakis’s name.
