Members of the European Parliament passed a significant resolution on Wednesday, expressing deep concerns over the deteriorating state of the rule of law in Greece, with a specific focus on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The resolution, although not legally binding, outlines a series of troubling issues regarding the current state of democracy in Greece. These include instances of journalist harassment, privacy breaches, wiretapping of political adversaries, excessive use of police force, conflicts of interest, alleged corruption, campaigns to discredit civil society, and systematic practices of migrant pushbacks.
Of particular note, MEPs urge the European Commission to evaluate whether the violations of fundamental rights in Greece warrant a review, and potentially the suspension, of the substantial EU funds allocated to the country.
Several accusations, such as the alleged exploitation of national security concerns to justify the use of surveillance software, directly implicate Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the conservative leader who has held the position of Greece's prime minister since 2019.
Despite possessing a commanding majority in governance, Mitsotakis has faced significant criticism from human rights groups and media watchdogs regarding what they perceive as a regression in democratic values during his tenure.
Greece currently ranks lowest among EU nations in the World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a notably low score of 55.2 points, trailing behind Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland.
The 2022 Predatorgate scandal, which involved extensive surveillance of government officials, political rivals, and journalists, tarnished Mitsotakis' reputation internationally but did not significantly impact his domestic political standing.
In their resolution, MEPs strongly condemn the illicit use of surveillance technology, demand an unrestricted investigation, and call for legislative reforms to address the concerning trend.
The resolution received support from a coalition comprising Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe liberals, Greens, and Left members, garnering 330 votes in favor versus 254 against.
Despite efforts by the center-right European People's Party (EPP), to which Mitsotakis belongs, to deflect criticism through a counter-resolution emphasizing legislative advancements made by Greece, the progressive bloc remained unified in endorsing the critical version of the resolution.
Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, a Greek MEP aligned with the EPP, defended Greece's democratic credentials but found limited support as MEPs from other political groups rallied behind the critical resolution.
Sophie in 't Veld, a liberal MEP from the Netherlands, criticized EU leaders for what she perceived as double standards in their treatment of leaders like Mitsotakis and Italy's Giorgia Meloni compared to the scrutiny faced by Hungary's Viktor Orbán, suggesting a selective approach to defending the rule of law within the European Union.
