ND MEP Manolis Kefalogiannis will be in Patras this Friday, on the occasion of the conference – which started yesterday and will end today – on Climate Change. On the way to the European elections, he spoke to “Peloponnisos” and mentioned all current issues.
– Are you satisfied with what we achieved, as Greece, during your term in the European Parliament?
Europe in the last five years has shown strong reflexes. In contrast to previous years, when there were late or misguided decisions regarding the economic problems of the countries of the South and immigration. We experienced it in the most tragic way, we paid dearly for it in our country on both occasions. This certainly does not absolve the SYRIZA government of its own management and its own failures. In the five-year period 2019-2024, the EU showed a quick and effective response to the issue of the pandemic with the joint management of vaccines and the creation of the Recovery Fund. It provided solutions to societies. Of course, with the contribution of the Greek government and Prime Minister K. Mitsotakis. By making a short assessment of the term, I would like to focus on two important interventions of mine that touch on our national rights. With the help of the chairman of the KO of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, a true Philhellenic, I tabled two very important amendments in the European Parliament which were adopted and have now become the European acquis.
With an amendment that I had the honor to table to the Resolution on the situation in Libya on the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, the European Parliament decided that this agreement violates the sovereign rights of third countries and does not comply with the Law of the Sea and therefore cannot have legal consequences for third countries. While urging the Libyan authorities to proceed with the immediate cancellation of the 2019 Turkey-Libya memorandum of understanding on the delimitation of maritime areas in the Mediterranean Sea and not to implement any clause contained in the subsequent hydrocarbons agreement, which was signed on October 3, 2022 and provides illegal drilling activities in the exclusive economic zones of third countries, including those of Cyprus and Greece.
Regarding the issue of the elected mayor of Heimarra Fredis Beleris, which touches us deeply, as he is the only elected representative of the opposition and the Greek national minority, my amendment was adopted expressing the deep concern of the European Parliament for the arrest of the elected mayor of Heimarra Fredis Beleris the eve of municipal elections in Albania and his continued pre-trial detention which violates the presumption of innocence and prevents him from assuming his duties as an elected mayor. It is also emphasized that the specific issue is completely connected with the respect of fundamental rights, with the property issue of the Greek ethnic minority in the Municipality of Heimarra and the accusations of illegal expropriations by the Albanian authorities.
A clear resounding message was thus sent from Brussels, that the tactics of the Albanian authorities once morest the Greek minority are not tolerated.
I want to continue with the same dynamic, if I am re-elected. To serve national justice, Greek interests and the next five years.
– One of the issues that strongly preoccupied the EU was agriculture in our country as well. Do you think improvements can be made?
The Common Agricultural Policy is the most successful EU policy for 60 years. Greek farmers and breeders have benefited from the inclusion of our country in the then EEC over 130 billion euros. Our country, and this should be credited as a success of the ND government, did not lose a single euro in the negotiations for the new CAP.
A new CAP, however, which creates many reactions both among Greeks and among European farmers. What are our farmers asking for? Decent income, reduction in oil and electricity costs, reduction in supplies and feed costs, replenishing their lost income. Yes, the farmers of the European Union are right. What do our farmers offer? Food sufficiency in Europe and guaranteed agricultural security. What should we do? A serious strategic dialogue for the future of Georgia. I proposed the creation of a new Fund. A new Just Transition Fund to support farmers’ income, as we have already done for the Green Deal. Yes, we are in favor of climate protection. But always with EU farmers and breeders.
– Many MEPs often call on young people to vote in the European elections. For what reasons do you suggest they do it?
I think all of us want our youth, young people to have a voice, intervention, participation. To co-shape developments. Let them decide for tomorrow. I call upon them to participate massively in all electoral processes and not allow others to decide for them. Whatever they vote for, whatever party they choose.
– Are you afraid of the continued rise of the far right?
The rise of the extremes finds fertile ground at this time because unfortunately the Republic in many cases does not provide solutions to the problems of the citizens. Even the European Parliament, the most democratic institution of our Union, is made up of appointed MEPs, as the list applies in many countries. I am, was and will be in favor of the cross of preference, because the elected MP or MEP has reference, supports in society. Controlled by society and apologized to society. I think it is our responsibility, we must take the political initiatives, bend over the problems of European societies and solve them. This is how we can limit the rise of extreme voices in Europe. The current period, the rise of extreme voices, unfortunately reminds many of the interwar period and the rise of the Nazi and fascist regimes that led to the bloodshed of the Second World War. And anyone who does not know History well is doomed to live it in its worst form.
– One of the issues that are very serious for our country is demographics. Are there proposals and moves from the European Union that can be made?
Europe is getting old. Greece is getting old. In a few years, due to the low birthrate, the EU, the countries of Europe, will not be able to support social policies. In 2023 in our country we had 120,000 deaths and 75,000 births. And of the children born, 20% were to parents who were not born in Greece. The numbers are scary. And if we don’t do something now, if we don’t take important actions and initiatives in a few years “we will be crying over spilled milk”. Today Europe has 3.5 major powers. In 2050 it will have half. And in 2100 none. For the most important, perhaps the biggest problem of Europe today, the demographic problem is the time for action without delay.
– Can the election result mean something for the next day of the political scene in Greece?
There is no doubt that New Democracy will be the winner of these elections as well. A victory that contributes even more to the political stability of the country, to the possibility of continuing our reform work in the next three years. After all, all opinion polls predict a comfortable victory for New Democracy. Where they are concerned is which party will take second and third place. We should certainly not rely on poll findings. The ballot box for the European elections of June 9 is empty today. We have to fight, get up from the sofa, participate. Let’s go to the polls either in person or through postal voting, an emblematic reform of the ND.
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