The Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) is facing the consequences of its pro-migrant policies. Deputy Migration Policy Minister Tasia Christodoulopoulou’s comments on migrants merely “sunning themselves” in the early hours to describe the images of hundreds of displaced people at reception areas and in downtown Athens have caused a negative reaction.
Government officials maintain that SYRIZA is not in favor of open borders, however also states that the government does not wish to see the extreme right-wing practises of the previous government that merely disguised rather than dealt with the problem with the notorious-styled Amygdaleza detention facilities.
After an interministerial committee meeting on Tuesday, the government appears to be changing its rhetoric. The government does not believe that the migrant inflow is a Greek problem and considers that it can only be dealt with if there is a coordinated effort between all countries that face increased immigrant inflows, always in coordination with the European Union. There are complaints from within the government ranks that the problem is being blown out of proportions by the media and government opposition parties. Economy, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism Minister George Stathakis said that the accusations concerning the government are groundless. “Comments that the borders and squares have been filled with immigrants are groundless,” said Stathakis, accusing the opposition of recklessness when taking advantage of a very serious problem through scare-mongering.
Speaking to private MEGA TV Citizen Protection Minister Yiannis Panousis said that tolderance concerning occupations and the mild handling of these had ended following the meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Educational institutions in downtown Athens are now guarded.
Meanwhile, Omonoia Square has turned into an outdoor migrant camp as dozens of people from other countries arrive here in the hope of a better future in the country’s capital.
The announcement that refugees would be given travel documents so that they can safely leave Greece has rippled through the Syrian community that is awaiting news regarding the implementation of this policy. Dozens of migrants wait daily outside the asylum office at Katehaki Avenue but usually leave empty-handed. At night, the sleep outdoors trying to protect themselves as best they can from the cold while also holding on to their few belongings.
