Intervention by K. Karamanlis on wiretapping: Who and with what justification requested them, who and how they approved it

From Anogeia, at the commemoration event of the Municipality of Anogeia for Ioannis K. Kefalogiannis, the former prime minister and former president of the New Democracy, Costas Karamanlis, made a loud intervention, as the main speaker of the event, on the issue of wiretapping.

Citing reports but also the beliefs of I. Kefalogiannis, Mr. Karamanlis, speaking about the surveillance case, asked for more light to be shed, adding characteristically:

“That these events were caused by a government initiative is not only undemocratic and illegal, so beyond all limits of morbid imagination and political stupidity that it is unimaginable. But there remains an urgent need to clarify who and with what justification requested such a thing and who and how they approved it. The invocation of privacy in such cases is subordinated to the need to purify public life.”

Specifically, Kostas Karamanlis said about:

Observations

Clarity and transparency are, after all, fundamental requirements for lawful and smooth public life. Even more so when issues arise such as that of the phone monitoring of a political leader, journalist or any citizen. In such situations, purification only occurs when they are fully clarified. The issue is so heavy and serious that it is not allowed and cannot be tolerated that there should be shadows left behind for the democratic normality. Light then! Bright light!

That these events were caused by government initiative is not only undemocratic and illegal, it is so beyond all limits of morbid imagination and political stupidity that it is unthinkable. However, there remains an urgent need to clarify who and with what justification requested such a thing and who and how approved it. The invocation of privacy in such cases is subordinated to the need to purify public life. So everything is in the light and from then on, the corrections of the institutional regime that governs the lifting of telephone secrecy and the general operation of the secret services are necessary and with cross-party cooperation. These rudimentary to prevent the further discredit of the institutions.

Greek-Turkish

For our country, the situation is burdened even more because it additionally faces the escalation of Turkey’s provocative behavior on all fronts, from the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus to the Aegean and Thrace.

Defying any notion of respect for International Law and international treaties, it attempts to overturn the existing status quo and impose its hegemony, unfortunately sometimes with the collusion and sometimes with the tolerance or shrewd neutrality of the main protagonists of international life. It is in this gloomy setting that our country is called upon to show its best self, expanding its international bases, constantly improving its defensive and deterrent capacity and above all, preserving and forging the national unity and determination of of all Hellenism to repel in every way any attempt to usurp its rights.

Ukrainian

“Great national issues do not allow for concessions” he used to say (s.s. I. Kefalogiannis). His constant ode to the need for national solidarity and a unified national strategy still echoes in my ears.
This eternally responsible and justified attitude acquires special topicality nowadays. The international scene has entered a phase of uncertainty and destabilization.

The unacceptable Russian invasion of Ukraine and the prolongation of the war pose serious risks to international peace and order. It is already more than obvious the possibility of tensions, perhaps even flare-ups in other regions of the world, such as Southeast Asia, due to Taiwan, but also in our neighboring Balkans. And all of this in the midst of an energy, food and economic crisis that is unbearably burdening European countries, primarily of course the weaker social strata.

And the image of the West, in front of the new setting and the challenges of revisionist forces, is heartbreaking. Apparent leadership deficit, weak or collapsing governments, growing social discontent and discredited political systems. Especially in Europe, which obviously concerns us more directly. It is more than ever necessary for Europe to wake up, to take initiatives, to react in a coordinated and bold manner. Otherwise, unpleasant developments await us.