SYRIZA is attempting damage control fom the backlash caused by the case of Alexis Georgoulis, who was expelled from the party in order to facilitate the investigation being carried out against him by the Belgian authorities, at a time when both New Dempcracy and PASOK are weighing their public stance . The government and PASOK are also exorcising any accusations of political instrumentalization of such a sensitive issue. The dominant assessment is that the official opposition is entering a stressful cycle of introversion before the elections.
However, as it appears from the public positions of party cadres, the political opposition includes not only the manipulations of SYRIZA against the background of the complaint against the former MEP, but also more broadly the positions of each side on its social policy and human rights.
Zero tolerance
SYRIZA insists that the party’s reaction was immediate, while the dimensions of the issue are such that Alexis Tsipras could not not take a position during his tour of Lavrio, sending a signal of zero tolerance. “For us, there are no “yes buts” in matters of gender-based violence, in matters of violence against women. No tolerance, no cover-up, no matter how high someone is,” was his clear message.
At the same time, New Dempcracy and even more furiously PASOK attacked Koumoundourou, among other things implying that SYRIZA knew about the case and that after the revelations tried to downgrade it. Indicative is the first reaction of New Democracy, which pressed with questions such as “what exactly is the complaint about? Did it happen today for the first time?’ and their assessment that SYRIZA is trying to cloud the picture.
“No to political speculation”
The official line for the government, however, is “no to political speculation”, with the tone set by the government spokesman Yiannis Economou arguing that “we will not instrumentalize, we will not make characterizations, we will not generalize”. He stood meaningfully on the “difference with which we manage such cases in relation to the official opposition is obvious to the whole of society” – commonly accusing SYRIZA of abusive… hashtags, slanders, generalizations in other cases.
Government and party officials will take a stand at every opportunity to defend their social policies and signals against gender-based violence. Indicative are the statements of Deputy Minister Maria Syregela who accused “SYRIZA of lies through Ms. Kasimati’s mouth” regarding the protection structures for victims of gender violence. “The structures to deal with gender and domestic violence were not created during the period of SYRIZA’s government. Of the 44 counseling centers operating today, only 1 was opened under SYRIZA, while a hostel for abused women was also shut down during that period,” Syringela posted on Facebook, accusing SYRIZA of only paying lip service to social policy.
PASOK sees no mitigating circumastances for SYRIZA as they ascribe the main opposition for leaks that harm the complainant or that give political dimensions to the case. PASOK’s press representative Dimitris Mantos spoke of “alleged rrights activists from SYRIZA who are fighting for the protection of human rights”, saying that “they are the same ones who rushed to leak names, effectively violating any concept of criminal pretrial proceedings”.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Vardis Vardinogiannis: ‘On a Ship’s Bridge You Always Look Forward’
Ten milestones in the half century since the creation of Motor Oil Group, as described by Vardis Vardinogiannis, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91
DBRS Says Greek Banks ‘Shielded’ from ECB Rate Cuts
The agency explains that fund disbursements through the banking sector will help offset pressures anticipated on interest margins beginning in 2025, due to expected rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Meta Cuts Facebook and Instagram Subscription Fees by 40%
The social media giant also revealed that it will continue to offer free access to Facebook and Instagram for EU users, provided they agree to see ads based on a limited set of user data.
Skyrocketing Use of Debit, Credit Cards
The total value of the transactions conducted with debit and credit cards in the country in the first half of 2024 rose 2% on the corresponding period of 2023
JP Morgan Revised Greece Outlook to ‘Overweight’
The investment bank notes that Greece is showing the strongest GDP growth in the Eurozone. Additionally, efforts to clear up bank balance sheets are anticipated to yield increased capital returns.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, Greek Tycoon and Shipping Magnate, Dies at 91
In 1990, Vardinogiannis was targeted in an attack which involved three rockets fired at his vehicle by the terrorist organization 17 November.
Kudos for Greek Sheep’s Milk Cheeses
Graviera is the Greek version of the Swiss gruyère, and is generally considered the second most popular cheese made in the country after feta
EIB Survey: Greeks Rank Climate Change as Top Concern After Cost of Living
Specifically, 98% of the Greeks surveyed stated that the country must to adapt to climate change, with 60% saying that priority should be given to these adjustment measures
Trump Tells Putin not to Escalate Ukraine War during Phone Convo
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, is preparing to lobby Trump against abandoning U.S. support for Kyiv
Former Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris Dies at 82
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, serving as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki for two consecutive terms until 2019, becoming a transformative figure with his progressive policies.
