Mrs. Sakellaropoulou also sent a message to Turkey, underlining that “no retreat is compatible with Turkish aggression and intransigence, as well as any attempt to create fait accompli in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean”.
A message of unity, seeking consensus and convergence for the good of the country, in the midst of tough dilemmas and difficult choices in an uncertain and threatening international environment, the President of the Republic sent Katerina Sakellaropoulou during her speech at the reception for her 48th anniversary of the restoration of the Republic in the garden of the Presidential Palace.
Mrs. Sakellaropoulou emphasized that this is where the Greeks derive their strength and creativity, as they have proven over time, as our democratic belief does not only concern our state organization, it is our common experience, our non-negotiable way of life.
At the same time, he also sent a message to Turkey, underlining that “no retreat is compatible with Turkish aggression and intransigence, as well as with any attempt to create fait accompli in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean”.
As he said, “every such anniversary, our memory returns to the Cypriot tragedy and he noted that “we are once again experiencing the hideous Turkish invasion and the deep wound of national loss”. However, he underlined that “the solution of the Cyprus issue, based on the decisions of the United Nations Security Council and the European acquis, is our absolute priority. Greece and Cyprus remain steadfastly committed to the reunification of the island and the removal of the occupying forces.”
He also emphasized that today has a special symbolic imprint and weight for our democracy and noted that “we are grateful to the fighters against the dictatorship, to those who risked their lives for the freedom of all of us. Many are here, among us, as a small token of debt and thanks on the part of the State. The honor given to them has not only a historical value, but also a pedagogical function: it reminds us that the defense of democracy is permanent and is our highest duty”.
With emotion he also referred to Fofi Gennimata, talking about her long absence from this year’s event.
The President also made special reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pointing out that “forty-eight years later, another brutal violation of international and humanitarian law, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine haunts our days and our consciences. The Ukrainian drama blatantly offends the core of our culture. Against authoritarian Russian revisionism, our clear and decisive position is a proof of faith in modern democracy.” In fact, he emphasized that “this is not the time for offsets and rationalizations, which devalue our European identity and our association with the developed and progressive countries of the world”.
Describing the enemies of modern democracy, he referred to the new normalities, which favor centrifugal tendencies inside and outside Europe, both due to the economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, and emphasized that “populism is rooted in contradictions and inequalities, openly questioning the basic principles of liberal democracy. It undermines the separation of powers and the balance of the state.” As he argued, “institutional counterweights, however, are the foundations of the rule of law and are not subject to majorities and ephemeral associations. Justice is not dispensed based on public sense of justice, but according to the Constitution and laws. Judges enjoy the guarantees of their function and must be independent and impartial, preserving their prestige and mission. They are judged for their decisions, not targeted. Divisive speech does injustice to the public sphere and does not serve our democracy.”
Speaking about the possible energy shortage, as well as the accuracy of food and consumer goods, which intensify insecurity, he described the need for the support of the many in the following winter. “Our social cohesion and resilience require redistribution and development interventions, especially for young people, who are affected by unemployment, and vulnerable groups,” he noted.
Subsequently, he asserted that “preventive action to protect the environment and the strengthening of our ecological consciousness acquire existential importance for our country” and emphasized that “our thoughts are at these moments with our fire-stricken fellow human beings and with the restoration of the damages they suffered, as well as to the officials of the state apparatus, who were on the front line and demonstrated heroism and self-sacrifice”.
Finally, he noted that “we live in a world full of possibilities and contrasts, great freedoms and strong compulsions. Our coexistence is anchored in tolerance and inclusion, the ability of all of us to shape and achieve our plans. At the celebration we are attended by personalities who embody the openness of democracy in society”.
In this context, he spoke of our fellow citizens who symbolize the transcendence of the self for the sake of the whole, such as the Canadair crews who carry out the work of aerial firefighting. “We are joined by pioneering scientists in the fields of Environment, Health, Genetics and Biology. Distinguished professionals from the productive sector of the economy. Residents of our critical islands and students who excelled in the Panhellenic Examinations. Roma who broke the blockade, refugees and migrants, who managed to integrate, people with disabilities, homeless people. Visible and invisible citizens, people and collectives without voice and representation, trapped in discrimination and stereotypes, are not understood in democracy. Only incentives and equal opportunities for everyone, for improvement and extroversion, away from inertia and distortions of the past”.
Concluding, he noted that “Greece is maintaining the conquests of the post-colonial period, while, at the same time, it is reforming, coordinating with the developments and demands of the time. It is an equal member of the European family and plans, together with its partners, the policies of the future”.
RES-EMP
View the news feed and get the latest news.
