Hate Speech by New Democracy Deputy Evripidis Stilianidis: The minority is a 'national problem'

Deputy of New Democracy Party in Rhodope Evripidis Stilianidis who is also known for his stance against Turkey and the Turkish minority claimed that the greatest problem of Thrace is the demographically weakening of the region and degradation of the population balance between Muslims and Christians.

Stilianidis argued that the shift in population balance, especially in the provinces of Rhodope and Xanthi, has raised the appetite of neighbors for unlawful interventions in the region. Stilianidis cited the migration of the dynamic population, backwardness and unemployment as the main reasons for the economic crisis.

“PROBLEMS IN THE AREA HAVE A NATIONAL DIMENSION”

Speaking to the Athens - Macedonian News Agency, Evripidis Stilianidis stressed that the problems in Thrace intensely have a “national dimension”, adding that the region is of geopolitical importance for Greece as it is the energy corridor of southern Europe and the eastern border of the European Union.

Stilianidis stated that Democritus University of Thrace should be supported economically and in terms of the number of students, and stressed that four seasons tourism and agriculture sector should be supported. Stilianidis thanked Prime Minister Mitsotakis who canceled the decision to open a law faculty in the city of Patra, arguing that the Prime Minister is acting in line with political reason and national interest.

“EVERY ACT OF TURKEY CREATES A SHOCK WAVE”

As an answer questions about the case in the eastern Mediterranean Stilianidis said that Turkey has created shock waves in Thrace with its each act, and pointed that similar situations were experienced in the past. He said that the climate of insecurity between the two countries had a negative impact on the population and isolated the region. Stilianidis claiming that Turkey feels as confined to their geographical location and international law, with the result that Turkey reacts in an aggressive manner and tries to take every side to meet on the negotiation desk. Evripidis Stilianidis said that the European Union should take more active diplomatic, political and economic initiatives, otherwise it would be the sign of giving up to be having an international role.