The presence of Mitsotakis in Berlin highlighted good chemistry with Chancellor Mertz despite the difficulties. The crisis has passed, the migration is pushing. But why is a question about freedom of the press embarrassment? Comment by Dimitra Kyranoudi

The climate in the chancellor was warm. Hugs, smiles, greeting in German by the Greek Prime Minister, posting in X in Greek by the German Chancellor. The good “chemistry” between Friedrich Mertz and Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sealed last Tuesday night with the award of the Greek Prime Minister with the gold medal Ludwig Erhard of the powerful German Economic Council affiliated with the Christian Democrats.

The focus was on reform efforts under Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and in particular the Greek achievements in the field of digital governance, which the German side sees as an interesting example to imitate. Of course, they were mainly addressed to the Greek people, thanks to whose efforts the country eventually managed to get out of the worst crisis of the post -war.

Past the Greek crisis

The Greek crisis is now in the past. As well as the test he brought to Greek -German relations. Now the two countries are in line with a spirit of uniformity, equal cooperation, with a positive perspective. Or not yet completely? The two major issues that dominated were the immigration and German equipment tactics towards Turkey. In both the Greek side asked for “understanding”, making reminders to Germany.

Germany is asking Greece for the following in terms of migration: Reduction of secondary migratory flows and increase returns, especially now that German courts are giving green light. Greece, on the other hand, has asked Germany to understand its position, as it is responsible for guarding the EU’s external borders. But Germany – it is true – will continue to push, has promised it to its citizens and if it fails, the far -right alternative to Germany will be confirmed. The first deportations to the German border have already begun.

The second issue in which Greece and Germany disagree is related to Turkey, with the Greek side known for Berlin’s elastic stance towards Ankara. The apple of contention is the Eurofighter fighter aircraft, the sale of which Germany has been blocked until recently, but it seems to be re -examining. Greece reminded Germany that “third countries” that do not meet European standards should be excluded from corresponding programs.

A third field that can emerge in an additional thorn is the pressures that the new German leadership may soon exert on countries, such as Greece, for more enhanced participation in Ukraine’s military support. The issue was not discussed in Berlin, at least “on camera”. Berlin now wants to keep such discussions secret, but sources from the Christian Democrats are emitting messages moving towards pressure in Athens.

About freedom of the press

From the Mitsotaki-Merts press conference in Berlin, however, we also hold the conclusion. Following a question by DW about the state of freedom of the press in Greece, on the occasion of its fourth consecutive ranking in the last place in Europe (exhibition of journalists without borders) but also on the measures the Greek prime minister intends to take, the response given was rather disappointing, causing an embarrassment.

“Greece is a democracy that works very well. And the final judge of the rule of law in our country can be no more than the European Commission, “the Greek prime minister said.

Perhaps, at least for communication reasons, it would be more reassuring to invite a dialogue to journalists, to say at least that the ranking of journalists without borders or the exposure of about 100 pages from the Human Rights Watch for Freedom in Greece. Or that the consolidation of the multilevel principle of the rule of law, which governs the whole of the Union and Greek legal order, is ultimately judged by its daily practical implementation and is evaluated in a variety of ways.

Of course, the European Commission’s report, which has a special weight, but also as a barometer and a bell “also operate the resolutions of the European Parliament. It is also judged by national jurisdiction, by the Court of Justice of the European Union or the European Court of Human Rights. As for reports of organizations such as journalists without borders or the Human Rights Observatory, before being obsolete, it might be more fertile to analyze and then present in concreto counter -arguments. After all, everyone is in the end looking for the same: in a formal and essentially independent, free, polyphonic and criticism of the power functioning of the type -a necessary component of a healthy, modern democracy.