PASOK’s parliamentary spokesman, Pavlos ChristidisSpeaking to the “Journal of Editors”, he accused the New Democracy government of incapacity in fire management, arguing that its approach was purely “communicative and repressive, not essential”. She wondered why thousands of acres were burning each year, despite the government’s claims, attributing this situation to its incompetence.
In addition to the fires, Mr. Christidis also referred to his scandal OPECEPEreferring to “politically protected circuits of power” and calling for independent justice to investigate the case in depth. Although he described the Inquiry Committee as a “washing machine”, he stressed that PASOK would participate in it to reveal the truth and not allow the concealment.
He also heralded the presentation of a “complete, realistic, but also radical” government program at the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki. In this context, he talked about the submission of a “White Bible” for labor and pensions, with the aim of creating a new social agreement that will protect workers and ensure decent pensions.
Finally, Pavlos Christidis ruled out any possibility of cooperation with the New Democracy, stating that the two parties “separate abyss” and that PASOK seeks to create a one progressive majority and change the political direction of the country.
Read the entire interview:
– To start, Mr. Christidis, by OPECEPE? Where do you think the top of this criminal organization is located (as described by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office)?
The OPEKEPE case says it all the preference for Mitsotakis to eliminate the House and the New Democracy parliamentary group, from allowing the case to be investigated. A prime minister who is afraid of his KO, cannot be long. Also, the case is yet another proof that without strong institutions, democracy is weakened and inequality is consolidated.
When control mechanisms are inactive, when transparency is undermined and accountability is limited, then fertile ground for power networks are created that operate not for the benefit of citizens, but in favor of their own interests. The top of these circuits is often politically protected. Independent justice must go deep. We will no longer tolerate the Greek state to be a loot and not a tool of public interest.
– There is, however, a question concerning the PASOK – Change Movement in the case. You have denounced the exam as a “washing machine”. Why, then, will you participate in it by legalizing it?
We participate to reveal the truth, not to participate in an institutional theatrical. Examinations are not a tool for political offsetting mud, but a basic pillar of power control. We have complained from the outset that the ND attempted to manipulate the process in order to conceal responsibilities and to build custom guilty. But we are not going to retire. We will make use of every institutional tool we have at our disposal to come to light. The conversion of the ND head into a letter will be a constant mark for the blue line.
– PASOK’s president, Mr. Androulakis, submitted five proposals for the institutions, the political system and so on. We find the same views on the left. Could you jointly deposit these ideas?
Democracy is reinforced when parties show maturity to work together to modernize the political system. Our proposals for the separation of powers, the strengthening of justice, the shielding of independent authorities and the transparency of parties’ funding are not our property. It is a common institutional territory that we can co -ordinate with all the political forces that reject authoritarianism and state logic. People do not want many words and backstage approaches, but meetings on principles and values.
– Time … TIF is approaching. Is it time for your party to submit a government program?
That’s exactly what we are planning. Now, it is the time to submit a complete, realistic, but also a radical proposal of governance, focusing on the needs of many. We are not talking about promises, but of designed incisions: wealth redistribution, fair taxation, a public welfare state, green and digital transition that will not broaden inequalities but will heal them. After 15 years of crisis, it is time for a new, steady direction that will give hope to all Greeks again.
– On the occasion in your previous interview (Realnews) you are talking about the deposition of a White Bible for labor and pensioners. What rails will this white Bible move?
The White Paper is the starting point for a new social agreement. We focus on the working man, not just as a financial unit, but as a body of rights, creation and security. In the field of labor: Stable working relationships, enhancing collective agreements, restoring the basic principles of labor law, better fees. On the pensions front: Sustainable and redistributive system, not a stock market gambling to young people’s contributions. We want every person’s work to lead him to prosperity.
– The goal for your party is the first place, however, something that does not emerge from the polls. If the first is not confirmed, will it be a leadership issue?
This discussion is wrong with PASOK. Our goal is not just to win the elections. Is to change the country. Developments are dynamic and events produce results. PASOK is not only measured by rates, but with the depth of its proposal, with the quality of its executives, with the freshness of its ideas. A few months before the win with 10 points in 2009, PASOK was back in polls. Nikos Androulakis leads this effort with perseverance, institutional consistency and strategic plan. Every other debate on leadership is not about society, but only those who serve the ND’s stay in power. We look forward and want to release the productive forces of the place from fear and low expectations.
– Many estimate that after the next elections the ND and PASOK cooperation will be simply a one -way street. This perspective is, indeed, at the table of Har. Trikoupi? Repeat 2012, but without memoranda this time?
PASOK expresses another value code right now. The country needs a new progressive majority with PASOK. Not management governments, but change. Change in the economy, institutions, foreign policy, the welfare state. It separates us abyss with the New Democracy of K. Mitsotakis. A government whose incompetence deprives its country of its distinctive role in foreign policy, which broadens the inequalities, which burns, the forests, the property and the perspective of our country, despite the greats it launches in every firefighting period. Mitsotakis’ responsibilities for the fires are huge and its ministers, MPs disappeared from the fronts of the fire.
– Heavy, and this year, the report of fires. Is the battle, after all, unequal given the change in climate conditions?
The climate crisis is existing and worsening, but it cannot be permanently used as an alibi for impotence, lack of plan and abandonment of prevention.
When the government invests more in repression and communication than in prevention and education, the result is well known: burnt land and thousands of people in despair.
ND ministers and Mr Mitsotakis claim that they have the most tools of all time for extinguishing. So why are thousands of acres burned every year?
Obviously, because the inability of the ND burns, the forests, the possessions and the perspective of our country, despite the greats it launches in every firefighting period. Mitsotakis’ responsibilities for the fires are huge and its ministers, as well as MPs disappeared from the fronts of the fire.
And those who appear make statements that offend all of Greece, like that of Mrs. Voultepsi.