ABTTF president criticizes Greek Government over “Rule of Law Scandals”
The President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), Halit Habip Oğlu, has strongly criticized the Greek government over what he described as a series of “rule of law scandals” that have damaged the country’s reputation within the European Union.
Recent controversies involving illegal wiretapping allegations and large-scale corruption investigations conducted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office have placed the Greek government under increased scrutiny from European institutions. According to reports in the Greek media, concerns are growing within the government ahead of the European Commission’s upcoming Rule of Law Report.
Reports indicate that Minister of State Akis Skertsos, responsible for government policy coordination, recently visited Brussels to meet with European Commission officials and present the government’s position regarding developments in the rule of law and judicial independence sectors.
“Systematic Violations of the Rule of Law”
Commenting on the issue, ABTTF President Halit Habip Oğlu argued that Greece has experienced a prolonged decline in rule of law standards.
“The Tempi train disaster, illegal surveillance scandals, and the OPEKEPE case are among the clearest examples of the systematic and institutional violation of the rule of law in Greece in recent years,” Habip Oğlu said.
“These legal scandals, for which the government bears primary responsibility, have naturally dealt a significant blow to our country’s image within the European Union regarding the rule of law and judicial independence,” he added.
Concerns Over Judicial Independence
Habip Oğlu also pointed to the European Commission’s 2026 EU Justice Scoreboard, arguing that public and business confidence in Greece’s judicial system remains well below the European Union average.
According to the ABTTF president, official EU data contradict efforts to portray a more positive picture of the country’s justice system and highlight persistent concerns regarding judicial independence and public trust.
Call for Implementation of ECHR Judgments
Looking ahead to the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report expected in July 2026, Habip Oğlu called on Brussels to continue addressing Greece’s failure to implement rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
He specifically referred to the Bekir Usta and Others case group, noting that the relevant ECHR judgments have remained unimplemented for 18 years.
Habip Oğlu urged the European Commission to directly reference the issue in its upcoming report and to encourage Greece to swiftly comply with the court’s decisions, as it had done in previous assessments.
