Galery

2

1

I do not like the extortive way in which the government wants to enforce the law. It should have implemented this type of modern policy much earlier, and not use it as a weapon against the staff. However, the logic behind exporting production is current and it should be applied not only in the wider public sector, but also in the backbone of the state. This is because it is proven that where there is cooperation between public and private sectors the results are better. While I was Minister, we managed to open over 770 contemporary bioclimatic schools within 18 months, precisely because they were the product of cooperation between the public and private sector, whereas in the past it took decades to do this.

What changes does New Democracy intend to make in the field of immigration policy?

One of the main priorities of our programmes is the fight against illegal immigration. We believe that the presence of Frontex which we secured on the border in Evros was very important. I believe it is necessary to sign intergovernmental agreements for the return of immigrants, not only with the countries through which they pass, but also with their home countries. In this respect, Turkey has not responded to the arrangements.

I think that as the government of tomorrow we are obliged to ask for European funds for the return of immigrants, even by plane, because this procedure would be of value not only to Greece. I guess that Bulgaria is facing the same problems. This is an issue across Europe, yet our countries, which are external borders, bear the burden of protecting the entire European Union.

It is unreasonable for the European Union not to give this its full attention. The funds allocated to Italy and Spain respectively are huge compared to those we utilized.

An interesting idea is the deployment of Frontex troops in the border area of ​​Turkey. In this way, we would not be obliged to cope with the wave of illegal immigrants; it would happen on Turkish territory before they enter Europe. I think another important political focus should be taking measures at European level to restrict immigration at its roots. I.e. Europe should protect immigrants, fleeing military conflicts or natural disasters and support them under the "umbrella" of the United Nations in their countries. This would be good for them and for us. Immigrants who come in are mostly well received and they would have to respect the ways of the host society. Greece is considered to be a particularly hospitable country, although it is the victim of Dublin 2, under which illegal immigrants should either be returned, or remain in the first European country they arrived in. Actually, this turns Greece into a "stock" of human souls and it is bad for humanity and for the country.