Appeal to the other parties to support PASOK’s law proposal to block the combination of H. Kasidiaris addressed the Press Representative of PASOK-Movement of Change, Thanasis Glavinas, on the “Update” program of ERTNews.

Asked, initially, about the PASOK-Movement of Change law proposal to exclude combinations of self-governing elections, which hide a criminal organization, Mr. Glavinas recalled the Movement’s long-standing attitude towards these formations.

“We took the lead in the battle against the extreme right, as it evolved through various events: The appearance of Golden Dawn, its entry into Parliament, the crimes it committed afterwards, its condemnation. Now, we are at a next stage. During the previous parliamentary term we voted for and contributed to the amendment that was tabled, to exclude those who have been convicted of specific crimes, such as the formation of a criminal organization. We did this by looking at the big picture, the essence of which was to protect our very Democracy. And we come today where we see that the Government is inactive, that’s why we talk about expediencies. The Government must answer why it does not bring a corresponding regulation, as it did in the national elections, both for the self-governing and for the European elections that are coming in a few months. We cannot operate with double standards: Whether it suits us or not. There must be a stable direction that says that our Republic is fighting its enemies, who do not respect its principles and have other purposes. The battle against the extreme right is a continuous effort and that is why we call on the parties of the democratic arc and the Government to contribute to it. Why, it will have no effect if Kasidiaris is elected, possibly if he goes to the second round, and then goes on holiday. In addition, it is necessary to have prevention and to explain to the world exactly what this formation stands for, what is its ideology, represented today under the guise of the Spartans in the Parliament” Mr. Glavinas emphasized.

With reference to the fronts of the fires that have broken out in Thrace and elsewhere, the PASOK-Movement for Change Press Representative, commenting on the images that were broadcast directly from the area, expressed his support to firefighters and volunteers, who are fighting the battle. Mr. Glavinas noted that these are “scenes that cause us great sadness. The country, unfortunately, is in a difficult battle, in a nationally and environmentally sensitive area of ​​Evros, next to the forest of Dadia. The efforts of people and the fire department against difficult weather conditions, drought and very strong wind are superhuman.” At the same time, he emphasized that “the situation is worsened by climate change, but this is not an excuse. There must be adequate prevention, adequate preparation before the summer, as all the experts say in their reports.”

On the occasion of the dinner of the leaders of the Western Balkans and the absence of Mr. Rama, who was not invited due to Beleri’s imprisonment, the Press Representative of PASOK-Movement for Change stated that “trying to align with the European acquis, it’s not a simple and easy process, it’s not just growth, it’s not just numbers. Europe is primarily a union of principles and values, where the rule of law applies, where democratic institutions function. In the case of Albania there are specific issues, which the European Union has also emphasized many times. Not allowing an elected mayor to exercise his duties is a violation of the principles and values ​​of the European Union. Therefore, Albania must adapt to these principles, give the possibility to the elected mayor to exercise administration, because the democratic principle is a basic principle of the democratic state.”

Finally, Mr. Glavinas, commenting on Turkey’s aggressiveness and provocative actions in Cyprus, stated that “after a period of calmness and in Greek-Turkish, it seems that Turkey’s strategy is changing. We must work for the international condemnation of this issue. We had the first reactions from the major powers and this is very important, however we must prevent in every way the creation of fait accompli on the part of Turkey in the occupied territories. Such actions do not contribute to a climate of strengthening friendship, cooperation and, ultimately, trust for the solution of the Cyprus issue, which seems to continue to have terrible difficulties and is entering a new direction, which does not lead to the solution they have imposed the UN resolutions, but new facts are being created which Turkey is unfortunately pursuing for its own purposes, i.e. the partition of Cyprus”