T. Theodorikakos: The duration of Greek passports is increased to ten years

The duration of Greek passports is increasing, from five to ten years, according to what was reported by the Minister of Citizen Protection, Takis Theodorikakos, speaking to the “SKAI” television station. Regarding the fires, the minister emphasized that there was substantial coordination and no human lives were endangered, while the Police forces also played an important role, which took care of traffic regulation, the safe removal of citizens from dangerous areas and protection of their property.

In particular, regarding the increase in the duration of Greek passports, Mr. Theodorikakos noted: “Greece was one of the few countries in the European Union that had passports valid for five years. With the regulation we submitted to the Parliament, we are increasing it to ten years. In this way, we harmonize with what is happening in almost all of the European Union and developed states throughout the world. We save ourselves from significant financial and administrative costs. The bureaucracy for serving the citizen and especially the Greeks abroad is reduced. Police forces are being released. It is a situation that benefits both the state and all Greek citizens in terms of security and better utilization of our forces. It is a great relief for the citizens and ELAS.”

Also, Mr. Theodorikakos pointed out that the training of Greek police officers is being decisively upgraded, clarifying: “The Academy of ELAS officers becomes a university school with the bill being discussed in the Parliament. It becomes equivalent to the productive schools of the Armed Forces, with a very high level of knowledge and studies. With its own members, that is, with its own professors who will be elected and make up the teaching staff. With the best European practices. This is a great upgrade with postgraduate studies as well, with the possibility of assessment and certification of this level of studies. The goal for a well-trained, efficient Greek Police is becoming a reality day by day. And here we have a very big step, regarding the training of our police officers, as the corresponding upgrade also concerns the school of police officers of the Greek Police and the further training Schools that follow and these are now very high standards that exist in the rest of Europe”.

With professionalism and self-sacrifice, 900 police officers saved lives

Regarding the valuable contribution of ELAS regarding the fires, Mr. Theodorikakos underlined: “ELAS has a clear business plan, which of course it applies to the letter with self-sacrifice, efficiency and determination. Its work, when fires occur, is with its presence to regulate traffic, to contribute decisively to the evacuation of cities, neighborhoods, settlements, which are in danger and then, to protect together with human life and people’s property. This was also done in Penteli, in the very difficult fire, very difficult because of the persistently strong winds. Over 900 police officers rescued about 680 people and helped evacuate an area of ​​over 40,000 – 50,000 residents.”

The coordination of the state apparatus was effective

At the same time, the minister characterized the coordination of the state mechanism in the fires as effective, complete and decisive. “The fire department, the police, the EKAV, the local government and the volunteers helped to deal with the fire in Penteli. We must be happy that no human life has been lost, that is great. The fire was dealt with effectively within the scope of the possibilities” .

The opposition should respect the work of the police and firefighters

Regarding the opposition’s stance on the fires, the minister noted: “It is good for the opposition and the various opposition media to respect the work of the police and firefighters and all those who were involved with professionalism and self-sacrifice. I believe that we all owe to work for the good of the society, for the safety of the citizens, for the lives of the citizens, for the safety of their property and when the government machinery works with good coordination and efficiency everyone should recognize this. Not for political reasons or partisan reasons, but finally if we want to move forward in this place, when something good is done we should record it and highlight it so that it becomes a positive example so that it will be a useful tool for the next time as well. should be the attitude of all political forces and of course also the opposition and not to be complacent. Every day ELAS with over 80, 90 men and women, patrolling forests and areas, especially here in the Attica basin, which may be vulnerable to fires.”

Finally, Mr. Theodorikakos referred to the issue of security and tourist destinations, stressing: “We use special forces and services, because what matters is that the policeman is by your side effectively when needed. For example, having permanent forces in an island to perform a service is not always the most useful way.The Economic Police, in recent weekends, have made very serious checks in tourist destinations and have sent to Justice companies, shops and shops that profit in the most outrageous way or carry out to other kinds of illegalities. Accordingly, there are interventions by the Drug Enforcement Administration in these areas with significant results. Overall this summer we have sent 50% more police officers to the main tourist destinations of the country to tackle crime and delinquency.”