Greek Government continues to distort the facts

Government Spokesperson and Deputy Prime Minister Pavlos Marinakis, speaking at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, claimed that the European Union (EU) Commission’s latest 2025 Rule of Law Report is the best assessment in recent years regarding press freedom and the rule of law in Greece.

Marinakis asserted that despite videos on social media portraying the country negatively, many powerful European nations seek more advice from Greece, and that the government has responded to alleged defamation with data.

He praised the contributions of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), the Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA), and media professionals, noting that a new legislative proposal has been introduced for ERT after 15 years and reforms are underway at AMNA. Marinakis said these measures aim to strengthen press freedom and ensure accurate public information in Greece.

Criticism from Western Thrace Turkish Community Leaders

Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), strongly criticized Marinakis’ statements. He said:

“Spokesperson Marinakis continues to promote only the narrative he believes in, knowingly distorting the facts. The recent decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against our country highlights once again the concerning state of the rule of law here. Our country has persistently failed for over 17 years to implement ECHR rulings against three of our associations in the Bekir Usta and Others case, blatantly disregarding the principle of the rule of law. Furthermore, in June 2025, the ECHR unanimously condemned Greece for violating the freedom of association by rejecting the registration of the İskeçe Turkish Women’s Cultural Association.

Our expectation and demand from those governing our country is to stop distorting the facts and to sincerely work toward strengthening the rule of law and democracy in Greece.”