Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-07-23

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Democracy requires fertile compositions

[01] PM: Democracy requires fertile compositions

"It requires that we place above all the collective, social and national interest," he also said, adding that it was his government's decision to "change all that harasses, all that is unjust or grieves the Greek citizen, by proceeding with deep structural reforms."

At Thursday's event at the Zappeion Mansion, the art exhibition titled "Art and Democracy. Thirty five Greek creators" was also inaugurated.

Karamanlis praised current President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, noting the latter's great popularity among Greek citizens and calling for a support to his re-election by Parliament next March. At the same time, the prime minister strongly criticised the main opposition PASOK party regarding its stance on the presidential election issue, calling it "a mere and undisguised violation of the Constitution."

The premier also noted that July 24 was "a day of considering our own debt towards Democracy."

"It is a day which highlights very important opportune lessons. It dictates the resistance against multi-tentacled pressures suffered by Democracy. It requires the elimination of mentalities, acts and handlings that hurt its essence and quality. It requires the practical proof that principles and values are not abandoned, bargained or betrayed," the prime minister added.

Karamanlis noted that July 24 "reminds us of the consequences of political irresponsibilty and of the subjugation of collective interest to ephemeral expediencies and that extremities and attempts which are questioning the Constitution are concealing serious dangers."

The premier said that he was referring to the issue of the presidential election next March and the subsequent respect of the Constitution.

President Karolos Papoulias, Karamanlis noted, has honoured his role, "we have to honour him in the same way he honoured and continues to honour the institution he serves. By supporting, clearly and immediately, his re-election. We must all have an absolute respect for the Constitution."

Referring to the main opposition party, Karamanlis said: "In simple words, PASOK tells us the following unprecedented thing, that it does not vote for the current president in order to extort the holding of elections and it will vote for him only after elections. This position is a mere violation of the Constitution and an attempt to trivialize institutions. This is not fair for any politician, for any party. PASOK's position constitutes an extreme irresponsibility."

Referring to national issues, the prime minister reiterated that his government has drawn "red lines" beyond which it would not go, while it moved with coolheadedness aiming at defending the country's interests and rights.

Regarding the problem of illegal immigration, Karamanlis noted that his government aimed at protecting the rights of immigrants that are working in Greece and creating the conditions for their social integration, underlinimng however that the country had exhausted all limits and could "not accept uncontrollable waves of illegal immigration."

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