The press representative of PASOK – Movement for Change, Kostas Tsoukalas, spoke of a “parody government” on the occasion of the case with the monument to the Unknown Soldier, adding that Mr. Dendias accepts PASOK’s objection of unconstitutionality and attempts to entrust the municipal authority with the competence that was taken away from it.

Speaking to Action24, Mr. Tsoukalas, speaking to Action24, characterized what was said earlier in the same show by the Government Spokesperson as “blatant lies” and explained: “I am impressed by the way in which the government chooses to distort reality. The Government Spokesperson, Mr. Marinakis, argued that PASOK did not wish to set up an inquiry committee. It is recalled that PASOK had from the first moment accepted the establishment of an inquiry committee even from the time of Harilaos Trikoupis, but also a pre-investigation committee to check any criminal responsibilities as requested by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office with the letter accompanying its case file. On the contrary, the Prime Minister humiliated his MPs by preventing them from participating in the Parliament session.”

Continuing, he emphasizes: “While the claim that there was insufficient evidence for the establishment of a preliminary investigation is a lie that Mr. Marinakis is telling tirelessly. The European Prosecutor, Ms. Kovesi, sent a letter citing findings and asking for an audit, while she has demonstrated that Article 86 was misused in order to avoid it. It is not possible for Mr. Marinakis to claim that PASOK seeks obfuscation, when the government is the one that systematically avoids transparency and accountability.”

Referring to the amendment for the monument to the Unknown Soldier, he emphasized that “we filed an appeal of unconstitutionality because Article 101 of the Constitution states that Local Government is responsible for local affairs. The amendment tabled by the government violates this constitutional provision, as it removes responsibility for the monument from the Municipality of Athens and transfers it to the Ministry of Defense. Therefore, the government removes statutory powers from the Local Government. Mr. Dendias because he obviously does not want to implement the amendment because he disagrees and tried – contrary to what is now foreseen – to reassign to the municipal authority of Athens the care of the monument that the amendment assigned to the Ministry of Defense. However, the Ministry of Defense is now taking care of it, they put a “hat” on Mr. Dendias. This is clearly a sham government. Mr. Dendias wants to throw away the “smudge” that was thrown at him.

Finally, Kostas Tsoukalas pointed out the need to lower the tone and noted that “the parades, and in this case the one of October 28, are a condition that unites Greeks and the world should not fall into the trap of division and instrumentalization. We have a clear message: moderation and national unity.”