The Alternate Minister of Public Order Yannis Panousis told Vima 99.5 FM that he has agreed with the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to change the Police action plan.

Mr. Panousis claimed that there are “thugs for hire” who cause trouble at sporting events and in the city center and argued that the area of Exarchia is “controlled by mafias”. He also reiterated his intention to end the occupation of university buildings within the day and that he is not afraid of the occupations per se, but rather their political message.

Regarding the recent clashes in Halkidiki between local residents and employees of a Canadian-run mining operation, Mr. Panousis noted that the Police cannot provide a solution and only focus on ensuring that there are no victims or damages are caused.

When asked about the proposed abolition of maximum security prison facilities, Mr. Panousis responded that “we must not intervene in judicial decision with laws” and favored house arrest and electronic tagging.