JOURNALIST: Postal voting has now been enacted into state law. How many Greeks living permanently abroad are expected to vote in this way in the European elections? Will there be a campaign to inform them?
G. KOTSIRAS: Postal voting, which will be in effect from the upcoming European elections, marks a historic reform that bolsters democracy. It is a significant step towards the equal participation for Greeks living abroad in the country's political life. Since this is the first time it’s been implemented, we can only make an educated guess regarding the number of Greeks abroad who will eventually participate. Certainly, informing the Diaspora Greeks of this new opportunity is vital to increasing their participation in the European elections. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Interior, which will lead the information campaign. Our diplomatic authorities abroad will assist in promptly informing our compatriots and facilitating their exercise of their voting rights. Throughout this period, we remain in constant contact with Greeks living abroad to ensure they are as informed as possible.
JOURNALIST: At this point, I'd like to pose a broader question: For several decades, nearly all political parties have acknowledged the significance and the wealth that the Greek Diaspora signifies for Hellenism. Is there a specific strategy for Hellenism abroad, and if so, what does it entail?
G. KOTSIRAS: Undoubtedly, the Diaspora is universally recognized as a treasure and a valuable national asset for our country. However, recognition in words alone is not sufficient; it must be paired with concrete actions. What differentiates New Democracy and the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis is that it has made it a priority from the outset to strengthen Greece's relations with the Diaspora, through a coordinated, coherent policy in support of Diaspora Greeks. This includes the removal of voting restrictions for Diaspora Greeks and the postal voting, both of which are fundamental national reforms. It is, unfortunately, disappointing that the legislative initiative for postal voting was passed into law by the Parliament without the support of SYRIZA and PASOK. I hope they will reconsider their stance so that this process can be incorporated into national elections.
Our intense interest in enhancing the Diaspora Greeks’ everyday life is also marked by initiatives such as the introduction of a special section on gov.gr for Greeks living abroad and the digitalization of consular services. A continuation of these initiatives is the Foreign Ministry's Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, which was recently presented at the Cabinet. Its main pillars include, inter alia, interconnecting Diaspora members, promoting the Greek language and culture, upgrading our consular services, as well as reaching out to the new Diaspora. For the first time, we have established a comprehensive, four-year strategy for Diaspora Greeks, with specific objectives, which is currently under consultation. Our commitment to supporting Diaspora Greeks is practical, consistent, and ongoing.
JOURNALIST: How has the staellinika.com platform for learning Greek been received by young people of the Diaspora? Will you further develop it?
G. KOTSIRAS: The staellinika.com online platform is an innovative tool for learning the Greek language and spreading Greek culture. Its innovative approach has captured the attention of educators and students abroad, boasting tens of thousands of active users worldwide. To increase its reach, we have recently added French and German, to the existing English, Spanish, and Portuguese interfaces, now supporting five languages. Reinforcing the Greek language and culture is, after all, one of the main objectives of the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad. In this regard, we plan to further enrich staellinika.com by adding new lessons and content, leveraging the capabilities offered by artificial intelligence. Supporting the Greek language is a fundamental pillar of our policies. This is echoed by the numerous events organized by Greek authorities abroad on the occasion of the International Greek Language Day, sending a resounding message about the enduring contribution of the Greek language to world culture.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about developments in the broader Middle East? How do you respond to those who are concerned by our country's active involvement in the military operation in the Red Sea?
G. KOTSIRAS: We are deeply concerned about developments in the Middle East and are monitoring the events closely. We proactively engage with all possible scenarios, maintaining constant communication with the involved parties. Our aim is to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis and the expansion of hostilities. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, is in continuous contact with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as well as with his counterparts in the wider region, in an effort to achieve a sustainable cessation of hostilities and a definitive resolution of the Middle East issue. Greece is one of the few countries that can converse with all sides, thanks to its credibility and the diplomatic capital it has acquired by conducting a principled foreign policy. Our presence in the operations in the Red Sea is part of this context. It is primarily a matter of principle; it has symbolic and substantial importance for us, being a major naval power, to defend free navigation and protect our commercial fleet. Our common goal is to prevent a further escalation that would adversely impact global trade, inflate product prices, and of course, hinder efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
February 17, 2024