During a press briefing on 13 February 2025, the government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis publicly insinuated that the questions asked by journalist Mr. Christos Avramidis, about the operation of private universities and the safety of the railway network following the fatal Tempi accident, were politically motivated.
Specifically, in response to a question about private universities, Mr.Marinakis responded in a derogatory and disparaging manner to the journalist, suggesting that the journalist was engaging in propaganda. («Πολύ απλά δεν διαβάζετε καν τις αρχικές εισηγήσεις και έρχεστε εδώ για να κάνετε μέσω των εισηγήσεών σας συγκεκριμένη προπαγάνδα. Δυστυχώς, το έχω διαπιστώσει από μια σειρά ερωτήσεων που κάνετε».) Mr. Marinakis went on to hint that the journalist had exploited the Tempi accident for propaganda purposes.
The incident was denounced by the Journalists’ Union of Macedonia – Thrace (ESIEM-TH) in a February 18 statement condemning the dismissive attitude of Mr. Marinakis towards Mr. Avramidis.
Based on the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of the press, journalists have the right to exercise their profession freely and independently, without censorship. Asking questions of political and public figures in the name of accountability forms part of this mandate.
Ιn this context, Mr Pavlos Marinakis is obliged, because of his institutional position as a government representative, to accept questions from journalists on matters of public interest and to answer them without verbally attacking the journalist in question, as happened in this case.
Bank Account number: 1100 0232 0016 560
IBAN: GR56 0140 1100 1100 0232 0016 560
BIC: CRBAGRAA
In a time where the very foundations of democracy are gradually being eroded by the rise of extreme nationalism, alt-right movements, the spread of disinformation and corporate capture, the efforts of organisations such as Vouliwatch are more relevant than ever.
We rely on the generosity of each and every one of you to continue with our efforts for more transparency and accounta
By financially supporting Vouliwatch you support our litigation strategy, our campaigns for transparency and accountability in the political system, the development of new civic tech tools, our research projects and last but not least our impartial and accurate