The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with the Alternate Minister of Public Order Yannis Panousis on Monday and discussed the recent developments regarding the Police and its actions.
In the press conference that followed, the Prime Minister stated that “the way in which the Police perceives its role is a reflection of the degree of Democracy in a country” and stressed that “we must achieve the reconciliation of the citizen with the policeman”. Mr. Tsipras recognized that the job of the police is difficult, as it acts as “the vanguard of society in its clash with organized crime” and reiterated his pledge to support officers.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced that instances of corruption and lawlessness within the police force would not be tolerated. As he explained, upholding the law and protecting the people is paramount, because it is important for one to live and move without fear. Mr. Tsipras also spoke of the need to improve and update police training, so that democratic principles were reinforced.
According to the Prime Minister, the police must be prepared to act, but it must also be friendly towards the people, while respecting their constitutional rights and freedoms. Mr. Tsipras underlined that the people must set aside their prejudices and view the police “not as someone who will carry out inspections, but someone who will be there when the one’s security is threatened”.
