The European official’s positive references to the reforms of the Mitsotakis government froze the gleeful smiles of the toxic parties, so-called “researchers” and “independent” associations.
The European Commissioner responsible for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, seems to have stolen the thunder of the chattering denouncers and complainers about Greece’s allegedly poor performance on the law of structures and institutions.
The party leaders of toxicity, the eagerly sensitive so-called “researchers”, analysts and theoretically independent press and media associations, who consistently and permanently denounce the government for deficient policies in upholding the law, meritocracy, credibility and transparency, did not have a single word to say about the positive remarks of the European Commissioner.
And they were not even given the opportunity to attribute McGrath’s praise to party-ideological bias, since the Irish commissioner does not belong to the EPP, but is a member of Renew Europe, a liberal, centrist and pro-European political group in the European Parliament.
“You have made significant progress on the rule of law,” the European commissioner said at a meeting with the prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the Mansion Maximou, underlining that the acceleration and modernization of the administration of justice contributed to the growth of the economy, the strengthening of investors’ confidence and the increase of jobs.
“I think, without doubt, the reforms that have been implemented and the rule of law environment here in Greece have helped you to grow and strengthen the economy, and I think, without doubt, there is now a growing recognition that certainty about the rule of law enhances investor confidence, creates an environment in which businesses invest, grow and create jobs,” Michael McGrath said.
And it’s quite possible that his point about the Greek government’s cooperation with the European Commission has made it even harder for the populist opposition, which has made a flag for the Covessi reports of alleged Greek state obstruction of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation into illegal subsidies by OPEKEPE. Somehow, he probably… tied her tongue. “I would like to highlight the excellent cooperation we have in the field of the rule of law, as well as the significant progress you have made in recent years,” the commissioner said.
“Impressive performance”
The reading of the reform course of the Greek judiciary and the country’s progress in the field of the rule of law was also positive before the minister in charge, putting another… gag of logic and reality on the toxic populists who are addicted to doing opposition for opposition’s sake.
The Giorgos Florides presented the European Commissioner with the key reforms, giving emphasison the new Judicial Charter, the digital transformation of judicial procedures and the introduction of the Electronic Case File in civil proceedings.
The numbers were revealing: Trials are determined in seven months, instead of four and a half years, and judgments in civil trials are issued in 390 days, compared to 800 days in the past. The publication of wills, now carried out by notaries, is completed in six to seven days, instead of the 450 days required previously.
At the same time, the minister also referred to upcoming legislative initiatives, such as the new modern Code of Alternative Dispute Resolution, focusing on strengthening mediation, arbitration and judicial mediation.
The European commissioner spoke of “impressive performance” in the swift issuance of decisions and the digitalisation of procedures, while reiterating his satisfaction with the “excellent progress made by the Greek government in this area”.
He also referred to the new Multiannual Financial Framework, which foresees an almost tripling of funds (about 800 million euros) for the modernisation of justice in the member states, calling on Greece to actively participate by submitting relevant proposals.
The European Commissioner showed particular interest in the Electronic Case File. A statutory tool, which concerns civil proceedings and through which lawyers can electronically file all documents from their office and monitor the progress of the case from the Court of First Instance. With the main purpose of enhancing transparency and the degree of citizen’s confidence in the institution of Justice and judicial procedures, the direct and full electronic access of judges to each case was provided for.
Finally, the meeting also raised the incorporation of the European directive on abusive press lawsuits, known as SLAPPs.
Liberal Recognition
The Renew Europe group, to which the European commissioner who has so spoiled the heart of the toxic opposition belongs, is the offspring of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE). Its main pillars are the promotion of European integration, individual freedoms, economic growth and strengthening democracy.
Categorised as a centre-right, liberal-leaning party, it emphasises security and defence, with the ultimate goal of creating a free and fair Europe. Members of the group, established for the 9th parliamentary term (2019-2024), are parties with diverse ideological and political orientations that have taken on important roles in the Commission and in various national governments.
