In the Chancellor’s halls, the scene was warm: hugs, smiles, public compliments, awards. Good chemistry between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and German Chancellor Friedrich Mertzalthough in political opposite camps, it seemed authentic and prospective. But while a narrative of European sympathy and reform success in Berlin was being built, only one question was enough to spoil the directing: “What would you do for the freedom of the press in Greece?”
The question came from Deutsche Welle and it was specific. The response of the Greek Prime Minister, general and embarrassed: “Greece is a democracy that works very well … The final judge is the European Commission.” In short: no recognition of the problem, no commitment to change, no attempt to substantially answer the findings of the report of journalists without borders – which ranks Greece in the last position of the EU for the fourth consecutive year.
Mertz – Mitsotakis Meeting: “Greece will continue reforms to approach German investments”
What is evident is not only political defenses, but also a deeper reluctance to open even a sincere dialogue on the quality of our democracy. The invocation of “operating democracy” in response to key institutional concerns is more like rhetorical refuge than sincere self -criticism. Because freedom of the press is not a matter of international impressions – it is an indoor health indicator.
In the face of reports of international organizations, independent journalistic associations and European institutions, the silence of Athens becomes noise. Noise that sounds louder than European hugs and awards. Democracy is not enough to work “well” in words. It must appear, control and exercise self -criticism.
When the country’s prime minister avoids answering a journalistic question about the freedom of the press – in Berlin, in front of international audiences – what message does it give? That the problem does not exist? That criticism is excessive or malicious? Or that silence is the strategic answer to the truth?
Freedom of the press is not negotiable. And when it is called into question, the answer cannot be communicative embarrassment. It takes political courage, institutional honesty and a clear message that in a democracy, the press does not discipline but controls.
Hugs in Berlin, then. Silence in Athens. But freedom of the press – no matter how much it bothers – will continue to ask for answers.