Alternate Migration Affairs Minister Yiannis Mouzalas appeared agitated on Thursday evening while addressing a Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) party event. Leftist daily Avgi states that the minister said that Greece faces the threat of being turned into the “Ellis Island” of Europe. He appeared concerned that the country will face the same fate as the island that became a gateway for migration to the United States and a chief detention and deportation station for the country from 1892 to 1954.

It is estimated that over 20 million migrants from all the world pass through this little island for medical tests and consideration regarding US entry. Mouzalas also refered to the role that Turkey is playing and insinuated that Ankara is palying political games. He said that just a few days prior to the elections there were 70,000 refugees heading to the border region of Evros that the Turkish government turned round at the last minute.

Controversy was stirred at the event when around 50 people barged in with slogans. “Don’t listen to him as he has never worked in his life!” said one protestor. Mouzalas responded, “I want you to listen! I’ve been dealing with protestors for 27 years, idiot!”

Seleo.gr responds to the protestors continued presence in the meeting. To relieve tension, Mouzalas lit up a cigarette. He appeared tense and said: “Really, in Europe we are really trying to get bashed. We struggle. To be forced to use diplomatic language instead of saying ‘F*** off’ is totally different. The essence is that the problem is European!”