- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday defended his government’s commitment to the rule of law.
- Mitsotakis hosted Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, as part of her visit to European Union capitals.
- Mitsotakis accused domestic opponents of attacking the government and damaging Greece’s reputation.
Greece’s prime minister insisted on Tuesday that the country’s rule of law is “stronger than ever” despite mounting criticism from press freedom and human rights groups.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis blamed his political opponents for criticizing the center-right government, claiming that “the country was the center of a smear (campaign).”
He hosted Roberta Mezzola, President of the European Parliament, who is touring the European Union’s capitals ahead of June’s EU legislative elections.
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Earlier this month, 17 human rights and press freedom organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists, wrote to the European Commission expressing their concerns about Greece. Their letter cites multiple reports and allegations that the government has targeted or failed to protect journalists, activists, and human rights defenders using spyware, coercive litigation, and obstructive regulations. .
European Parliament President Roberta Mezzola (left) delivers a statement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after a meeting at the Maximos residence in Athens, Greece, on February 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanasis Stavrakis)
A similar appeal was made in the resolution approved by the European Parliament on February 7th.
Mitsotakis claimed that domestic opponents of the government were damaging Greece’s reputation in order to attack him.
“It seems a little strange that certain forces in our country, which used to have the most anti-European and populist slogans, suddenly call themselves the defenders of justice, democratic values and justice,” he said. I said this with the Greek left in mind. – Opposite of wings.
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He cited Greece’s recent adoption of a same-sex marriage law and said it plans to introduce postal voting as evidence of the country’s improving performance.
Rule of law issues are receiving increased attention in EU member states ahead of June elections as established parties fend off challenges from populist rivals in the region.
Mezzola said the visit was aimed not only at voter participation but also at increasing public trust in EU institutions, noting that rule of law issues form the basis of public trust.
“We want to have an honest discussion about these issues, and we need to be careful that important discussions about the rule of law are not politicized or weaponized,” she said.
Metsola was then scheduled to address the Greek parliament and hold a town hall meeting with young people to discuss June elections.
