Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with Citizens Protection Minister Giannis Panousis on Monday. Tsipras said that the Greek police has a difficult job, adding that the Greek state has zero tolerance for organized groups and corruption. He said that the government and police would collaborate, marking a step towards a new era.

“My vision is to put an end to the superstitions of the past,” said Tsipras, stating that the police are a bastion of strength against organized crime “reflecting democracy in every country.” He stated that the time has come for a healthy relationship between citizens and the police through a return of the police force to the neighborhoods where they are needed and with adequate training to the force that reflects the needs of society.

The Prime Minister said that Greece faces an economic crisis and is currently in a period of social difficulties. “Those who believe that they can blackmail democracy and break social unity are mistaken,” said Tsipras.

On his part, Panousis said that the Greek leadership is working towards providing solutions to address police officer’s everyday problems and find resources to address salary injustices. He added that the main issue is to have a police force that has comat effectiveness and can implement the Constitution and the laws.