“The Ministry of Labor in the last 6 months that I have the honor of being its political head, has taken the most massive measures in favor of society”, the Minister of Labor and Social Security said to SKAI and on the show “Morning” with Giorgos Autias , Adonis Georgiadis, pointing out the changes for pensioners, auxiliary civil servants, maternity allowances for freelancers and farmers, the work of the disabled, the increase in the debt limit in EFKA, as well as – as he said – “the failure of the Katrougalos Law” for the orphans.

“The labor shortage in the Greek economy is horizontal and everywhere. The provision, which we are voting for once, does not concern the immigration issue at all, nor is it Hellenization. The immigration issue is decided at the border and this government implements such a strict border guarding policy that all left-wing organizations in Europe accuse us of committing crimes against humanity,” said Mr. Georgiadis, emphasizing that “Denmark, which follows the most tough anti-immigration policy in Europe linked the stay of immigrants in the country with work”.

“We are doing what Denmark is doing and there is a tough anti-immigrant measure and here we are being accused of not guarding the borders,” he added.

On the occasion of the amendment for immigrants, Mr. Georgiadis said: “What I have been going through since the day before yesterday is one of the most difficult political trials of my life. I have to explain the correctness of the provision, because if it is not explained properly it is used by my political opponents as a change in my positions on immigration. It’s none of those things.”

Regarding the reaction of Antonis Samaras, the Minister of Labor and Social Security commented: “Antonis Samaras, I love, respect and appreciate him beyond my personal friendship and as a political entity. Everyone has their opinions. Alas, if a former Prime Minister cannot have an opinion. I am here to convince, not only Antonis Samaras, but those who are concerned, that this provision will not become a pull factor for more people to come. It does not concern those who come today, it does not concern Greekization. We are talking about a special work and residence permit”, while being asked if there was any communication between the two men, Mr. Georgiadis answered in the affirmative, saying: “obviously we have communicated”.

“The present proposed provision does neither Greekization nor legalization. So, the statement of Mr. Marinakis was correct. We link the work permit and residence permit to the active employment contract,” he added.