MİLLET's OPINION | What kind of country is Greece?

Greece is a beautiful country. However, preserving its beauty is not only possible through its natural and historical riches but also through honesty and transparency.

Greece, with its history, culture, and natural beauty, is one of the most attractive countries in the world. However, some events in recent years have tarnished this beautiful country’s reputation on the international stage. Trust in the state, government, and politicians is occasionally overshadowed by shocking scandals. Unfortunately, a few mistakes can destroy trust that has been built over many years. Here are some scandals Greece has recently experienced that have reverberated in the international public:

Eva Kaili and the Qatar Bribery Scandal

Former PASOK Member of the European Parliament Eva Kaili was arrested on charges of accepting bribes from Qatar. This scandal has been recorded as the "Greek scandal" in EU politics. Kaili was convicted of membership in a criminal organization, corruption, and money laundering. Her political career ended, she lost her seat in parliament, and was expelled from her party. This event deeply damaged Greece's reputation on the international stage.

Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou and the Personal Data Scandal New Democracy

MP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou was accused of acquiring personal data of expatriate voters. The Data Protection Authority (DPA) imposed a fine of 40,000 euros on Asimakopoulou and 400,000 euros on the Ministry of the Interior. This scandal exposed Greece’s vulnerabilities in data security and was another dark stain recorded on the international stage.

Phone Tapping Scandal

It was revealed that the phone of PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis was tapped by the Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP). This incident turned into a scandal that Prime Minister Mitsotakis himself called "unacceptable." EYP Head Panayiotis Kontoleon and the General Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office Grigoris Dimitriades resigned. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and this scandal continues to erode trust in Greece’s democratic institutions.

UN Greek Official Scandal

A Greek citizen working as a UN official was accused of embezzling nearly one million dollars. The official was accused of falsifying invoices for expenses, though the charges were denied. This event tarnished Greece’s reputation in international organizations.

Agricultural Subsidy Scandal

Greece is at the center of one of Europe’s largest agricultural fraud cases. Since 2017, Greek citizens have been receiving agricultural subsidies for non-existent farming activities or pastures they did not own, leading to a fraud totaling up to 45 million euros annually. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating this scandal, and Greece’s agricultural policies are under scrutiny.

Bribery Allegations in the Ministry of Migration

Ioannis Sfyrakis, an employee at Greece’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum, faced bribery allegations and resigned. Sfyrakis was accused of offering to cancel a work penalty in exchange for 4,000 euros. This scandal once again brought Greece’s public administration corruption issues to the forefront.

Tempi Train Crash and the Search for Justice

On February 28, 2023, a train crash in Tempi claimed 57 lives. However, the judicial investigation is still ongoing, and the families of the victims claim that the government is attempting to cover up the evidence. This tragedy has raised questions about Greece’s infrastructure and safety policies, and the search for justice continues.

Rebuilding Trust and Reputation

These scandals have seriously damaged Greece's international reputation. Trust in state institutions and politicians is eroded with each new scandal. However, it is important to remember that the Greek people are the victims of these scandals. Rebuilding the country’s prestige will be possible through a transparent and accountable governance approach. Greece must take steps to regain the respect it deserves through its historical and cultural richness, and necessary measures should be taken to prevent such scandals from happening again.

Greece is a beautiful country. However, preserving its beauty is only possible through honesty and transparency, not just through its natural and historical riches.

C.K.