Noise on social networks, government positioning, and opposition reactions have been caused by sudden online facebook between State Minister Akis Skrtso and journalist Marianna Pyrgiotis. The Minister of State returned with a new post accusing PASOK and SYRIZA of encouraging opacity and blackout in journalists’ relations with politicians and parties.

The timing of the confrontation

Akis Skertsos commented on the incident in Syros, where Israeli tourists were prevented from landing a cruise ship due to a demonstration of Philopalaistin. The Minister of State stated that “preventing the landing of Israeli citizens in any tourist region of our country because of their nationality has a name and is called anti -Semitism, that is, racism.” As he pointed out, “Greece is a hospitable and peaceful country” condemning the “progressive collectives” that “act as fascist militias”. “Let’s isolate them and keep in charge and justice at the height of the circumstances,” Mr Skertsos said.

Marianna Pyrgiotis reacted: ‘Very right – as soon as you rule to apply them’, causing the Minister’s strong reaction.

‘Those cleverness where it gets you and pay you To say, as a consultant to members of this government. Your boldness is over, ”said Akis Skertsos with Marianna Pyrgiotis insisting: “As you think and as you realize the role of each.”

Akis Skertsos replied: “A communications professional like you, who advises members of the government with a critical role, does not sell a cheap spirit on social at the same time. See finally and perceive your own role. You are Much more transparent than you think – but not as transparent it should. ”

“It goes without saying that one would say his point of view, but to know the citizens and with whom he works.”

The online counter was called upon to comment on by government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis when informing political editors.

According to Mr Marinakis, the crucial given behind Mr Skertsos’ commentary is that “when you are a journalist and providing services to ministers, when you make a comment, people know that you have this property”, stating that it is of course an inalienable right for everyone to criticize them.

“He also has the right for every journalist to provide communication services as well as ministers and companies to choose journalists. It goes without saying that you are a journalist or a citizen, to say your point of view. Another thing for a lawyer to criticize the government and another to provide services to the government itself. This is the issue, no one disputes the self -evident right for anyone to criticize and write his point of view, ”Mr Marinakis said.

PASOK: “Intolerance to Criticism”

“Public confrontation on Facebook of State Minister Akis Skertsou with journalist Marianna Pyrgiotis in addition to reasonable comments about the intolerance of a government member in journalistic criticism, there are additional questions.” Comment on PASOK.

“Mr Skertsos puts forward as a peak to” ban “the journalist from expressing her opinion, the fact that she has a professional relationship with members of the government and makes offensive personal characterizations and threatening implications, such as” you are much transparent than you think but not as transparent “.

SYRIZA: “Demands”

“The way Mr Skertsos responds to a journalist who dared to comment on his post on social media is another proof of regime and authoritarianism.” For his part, SYRIZA-PS spokesman Costas Zachariadis said.

“They do not tolerate comments, they do not tolerate criticism, they hate the dialogue. These are Mr. Mitsotakis’ close associates, this is the morality and style of the power they emit. These excellent, technocrats with Excel, in the end as soon as they are a little pressed, make their authoritarian evil self. “ adds.

Skertzu answer to the opposition: “Who is afraid of transparency? And why? “

In his latest posting on the issue of the counter with journalist Marianna Pyrgiotis, the Minister of State accused PASOK and SYRIZA of “hypocritically cuts into a foreign foruming for the rule of law and the independence of the media and the journalists in our country …

“PASOK and Mr Androulakis are calling for my resignation from the government because I obviously claim the positions of public persons to be made on open papers, in terms of responsibility, seriousness and transparency.

Outside Greece, PASOK, along with SYRIZA, are acting hypocritically in foreign forums for the rule of law and the independence of the media and journalists in our country.

Within Greece, however, instead of demanding more transparency and protection of the journalistic function from a “passionate” that undermine the impartiality of journalists and the objective information of citizens, they encourage opacity and blackout in journalists’ relations with politicians and parties.

So who is afraid of transparency? And why? Certainly not the government, as the European Commission recognizes in its latest report on the rule of law, has made very important steps in recent years to shield the independence of the media and journalists.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the restoration of the Republic, PASOK and SYRIZA once again “swallow the camel and refine the conjugate”. Unfortunately, once again, instead of serving democracy and the rule of law, they are placed on the wrong side of history, to do what they only know: attack on the government on the righteous and unjust. “