Liberties report: Shadows over democracy in Greece

A new report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) reveals that Greece ranks among the top European countries facing serious challenges to democracy and the rule of law.

According to News247.gr, the report highlights ongoing issues such as political interference in the judiciary, restrictions on press freedom, and suppression of protests. Greece, along with Italy, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia, is among the most criticized nations for the weakening of democratic institutions and oversight mechanisms.

Key Findings of the Liberties Report
1. Justice System: Slow and Fragile
The Greek judiciary suffers from inefficiency, lack of transparency, and weakened independence.
High-profile cases face long delays, eroding public trust in the legal system.
Only 40% of Greek citizens believe in judicial independence, a significant drop from 46% in 2023 and 53% in 2020.
2. Corruption: A Deep-Rooted Issue
Greece has one of the highest levels of corruption perception in the EU.
A recent Eurobarometer survey found that 98% of Greeks believe corruption is widespread (EU average: 68%).

Key sectors affected:

• Healthcare (89%)
• Political parties (71%)
• Public contracts (67%)

3. Press Freedom Under Pressure
Greek media is largely controlled by a small group of powerful businessmen, threatening journalistic independence.
Political influence over the National Radio and Television Council (ESR) raises concerns about media regulation and censorship.
Investigative journalists face intimidation and restrictions.

4. Civil Liberties and Police Brutality
The report notes an increase in police violence, particularly during peaceful protests.
Digital surveillance and restrictions on civil society groups have raised alarm among human rights organizations.
The Hellenic League for Human Rights (HLHR) warns that minority communities are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement.

5. Human Rights Violations and Migrant Pushbacks
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has accused Greece of illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers to Türkiye.
Greece's border policies have been widely criticized for violating international human rights agreements.
Conclusion: A Call for Stronger EU Oversight
The Liberties report calls on the European Union to increase monitoring and enforcement measures to protect democracy in Greece. The country's ability to address these issues will be critical for its democratic stability and international reputation.