Kostas Karamanlis’s remarks on the wiretapping scandal have caused a stir within New Democracy, and as a result, government sources commented on his statements, arguing that the government is essentially operating within the same framework established by the former prime minister.
“From the very moment the case involving the wiretapping of Nikos Androulakis’s phone came to light at the government’s initiative, it was emphasized that full answers must be provided, while respecting the provisions of the law on confidentiality and the rules of the Parliament. ”That is why all parliamentary procedures were immediately set in motion, while the case is also being investigated by the judiciary,” government sources specifically stated, adding:
“The Committee on Institutions and Transparency will meet tomorrow, followed by the meetings of the Investigative Committee. Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has asked the political parties for proposals aimed at institutional improvements that will ensure the effective operation of the security services while fully respecting democratic principles.”
Karamanlis: A thorough investigation into the wiretapping scandal
Former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis referred to the wiretapping scandal while speaking at a memorial event for Yannis Kefalogiannis in Anogia, Crete.
Mr. Karamanlis, referring specifically to the unwavering commitment that, as he said, the late Yannis Kefalogiannis had to issues of transparency, emphasized that:
“Clarity and transparency are, after all, fundamental requirements for a lawful and orderly public life. This is even more true when issues arise such as the wiretapping of a political leader, a journalist, or any citizen.”
The former prime minister and former president of New Democracy emphasized that: “In situations like these, catharsis occurs only if the following are fully clarified. The issue is so weighty and serious that it is neither permissible nor tolerable for any shadow to be cast over the normal functioning of democracy. So let there be light! Abundant light!”
He even expressed the view that: “The fact that these events were triggered by a government initiative is not only undemocratic and illegal, but so far beyond any bounds of morbid imagination and political folly that it is inconceivable.”
In this way, he essentially concluded that the surveillance of Nikos Androulakis could not have been carried out with the knowledge and at the direction of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, but he also drew a red line in the event of future revelations
“However, there remains an urgent need to clarify who requested this, on what grounds, and who approved it and how.”. The invocation of confidentiality in such cases takes a back seat to the need for transparency in public life. So, let everything be brought to light. ”And from there on, it is essential—through bipartisan cooperation—to make corrections to the institutional framework governing not only the lifting of telephone privacy but also the general operation of the intelligence services. “These are fundamental steps to prevent the further erosion of trust in our institutions,” Mr. Karamanlis added.
“National Unity Against Turkey”
The former prime minister also referred to the Greek-Turkish. He recalled that Yannis Kefalogiannis used to say, “There can be no compromises on major national issues,” as well as his repeated call for national unity and a unified national strategy. He then referred to the international situation following Russia’s unacceptable invasion of Ukraine and the energy, food, and economic crises, which are placing an unbearable burden on European countries, primarily, of course, the most vulnerable social groups.
“The image of the West, faced with this unprecedented situation and the challenges posed by revisionist forces, is disheartening. There is a clear leadership vacuum, with weak or collapsing governments, growing social discontent, and a loss of faith in political systems. This is especially true in Europe, which obviously concerns us more directly. ”Now more than ever, Europe needs to wake up, take the initiative, and respond in a coordinated and bold manner. Otherwise, unpleasant developments await us,” he commented.
The former prime minister went on to point out that: “For our country, the situation is made even more difficult because it is also facing the escalation of Turkey's provocative behavior on all fronts, from the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus to the Aegean and Thrace. Defying any notion of respect for international law and international treaties, it is attempting to overturn the existing status quo and impose its hegemony, unfortunately, at times with the complicity and at other times with the tolerance or deliberate neutrality of the key players on the international stage.” And he emphasized that: “It is against this bleak backdrop that our country is called upon to show its best side, by expanding its international footprint, constantly improving its defensive and deterrent capabilities, and above all, preserving and strengthening the national unity and resolve of the entire Greek people ”to resist by every means any attempt to usurp its rights."
The mantinada about Yiannis Kefalogiannis
The former prime minister praised Yannis Kefalogiannis’s character, emphasizing first and foremost his integrity. He began his speech by A quote attributed to Winston Churchill: “With integrity, nothing else matters. Without integrity, nothing else matters.”. And he emphasized that: “Yannis Kefalogiannis was, above all, a man of integrity. An upright, honest, and genuine man. A politician who, unlike so many others, was a stranger to hypocrisy, ulterior motives, and pretense. When he believed in something, he spoke his mind and defended it passionately.”
Mr. Karamanlis also noted, among other things, that Yannis Kefalogiannis was uncompromising on matters of principle, on which, as he put it, “he wouldn’t let a fly land on his sword.” He recalled that: “When he disagreed, as Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications in the Zolotas Ecumenical Government in 1989, over the direct awarding of OTE’s digital services, he resigned from his ministerial post without a second thought.”
In fact, he concluded with a mantinada about Yiannis Kefalogiannis:
“It's one thing to be an eagle
and it's another thing to do it.
It's one thing to gaze upon mountain peaks
and it's another thing to reach them”.
Mr. Karamanlis was introduced by the New Democracy MP for Athens A, the daughter of Yannis Kefalogiannis, Olga Kefalogianni, praising the former prime minister’s presence, oratory, and character, and recalling that it was Yannis Kefalogiannis who nominated and supported him in 1997 for the leadership of the New Democracy party.
He also recalled that Yannis Kefalogiannis joined the New Democracy party in 1974, always consciously following Konstantinos Karamanlis and his values. “Because he was absolutely certain that these values were, are, and will always be the only guarantee for the country’s development, justice, progress, and prosperity. These are the same, timeless values around which the modern vision of the center-right movement is also built,” he added.
