The elections on 9 June will decide the future of the EU at a critical time, stated the president of SYRIZA-PS, Stefanos Kasselakis, speaking at an event for the presentation of the party’s European program and added: “As SYRIZA, we want a democratic, green Europe, a Europe of solidarity, security, work, economic growth and convergence.”

Attacking the government, he said that “the Mitsotakis government has integrated the extreme right, makes a turn to the right and undermines democracy and embarrasses our country.

Greece is low in freedom of the press and the rule of law. For the first time, our country was condemned for violations of democracy. It is a shame to cover up the responsibilities for Tempi, but also for the wiretapping scandal. At the same time the government is selling off public goods such as health and education.

In foreign policy, he accused the government, as well as the EU, of being a follower of the United States. It is an EU of right-wing and far-right co-operation and is the antithesis of the EU that citizens need to face open fronts and international challenges.”

He also noted that “our country, the only thing it has in common with the rest of Europe is the euro” and added: “Today’s event opens the campaign for the June 9 European elections.”

The program started with a video screening of answers from ordinary citizens about how they want Europe.