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[Ismini Vlassopoulou\/Intime News]<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Parliament was marked by heightened tensions on Thursday during a debate in which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis adopted a confrontational tone, pushing back against opposition accusations over the rule of law while outlining a broader institutional agenda.<\/p>\n
Mitsotakis structured his response on two fronts, citing international assessments and accusing political opponents of fostering a toxic climate. He argued that \u201cthe objective judge of the progress \u2026 in the rule of law can only be institutions and organizations outside our country,\u201d referring to a European Commission report that, he said, shows significant improvement in recent years.<\/p>\n
Addressing surveillance allegations, the prime minister said the issue had been \u201cjudged twice electorally,\u201d adding that political responsibility had been assumed and institutional reforms implemented. He accused the opposition of conflating legal interceptions with the use of illicit software \u201cthat concerns the entire planet,\u201d and criticized what he described as inconsistent positions toward judicial rulings.<\/p>\n
He also rejected claims of government pressure, stating that \u201cthe government is not blackmailed by anyone \u2026 we are accountable only to the Greek people.\u201d<\/p>\n
With regard to the ongoing case involving agricultural subsidies, Mitsotakis expressed respect for the European public prosecutor but criticized \u201cselective leaks\u201d and \u201cfragmented checks,\u201d warning against \u201csuperficial findings that tarnish reputations.\u201d He added that legislation would be proposed to accelerate cases involving lawmakers.<\/p>\n
The prime minister revisited long-standing responsibility for the scandal, noting that financial penalties exceeding \u20ac3 billion date back decades, and challenged the opposition\u2019s claims that the issue began in 2019.<\/p>\n
Turning to political dynamics, Mitsotakis accused opposition parties of prioritizing electoral positioning. He suggested that PASOK was focused on securing second place, while criticizing SYRIZA and its former leader.<\/p>\n
In a shift of focus during his second address, Mitsotakis introduced plans for constitutional revision, expected to begin in May, covering 25 articles. Proposed topics include artificial intelligence, higher education, affordable housing, party regulation, and judicial appointments. He also raised the prospect of revising electoral law, suggesting discussion on a mixed system combining constituency-based and list-based representation, similar to the German model.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is time after the elections to have an honest discussion about which electoral system best serves democracy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mitsotakis confirmed that national elections will take place at the end of the government\u2019s term, dismissing calls for an early vote.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n