The coalition government’s decision to introduce a provision into the immigration code, according to which immigrants found to have made false accusation of racist violence against them will be deported immediately, has caused strife within the coalition government last week after it was submitted by the Interior Minister and withdrawn by his Deputy on three occasions.
The Deputy Minister of Interior Leonidas Grigorakos appeared on Mega Channel on Monday and argued that the provision will only return when it is explanatory and does not infringe human rights. Mr. Grigorakos accused the government general secretary (and close associate of the PM) Takis Baltakos of influencing Minister of Interior Yannis Michelakis into making “the wrong decision”.
During his interview, Mr. Grigorakos further explained that issues related to immigration are under his jurisdiction – rather than Mr. Michelakis – and remarked that “only if Mr. Samaras changed my responsibilities” could the Minister intervene in the matter. That remark was interpreted as a hint to Mr. Baltakos, who had stated on Friday that the provision would be reintroduced.
The Deputy Minister further explained that as a member of the European Union, Greece is obligated to protect human rights and respect the relevant legislation, countering Mr. Baltakos’ argument that the coast guard and police must have a way to “cover their backs” and perform their duties “without falling prey to false accusations”.
Additionally, Mr. Grigorakos revealed that he had initially approved the provision before its submission, on the assumption that it had been approved by both coalition government partners New Democracy and PASOK, as we as that the Minister of Interior decided to resubmit the provision without any prior coordination.
