This is not the first nor the last time that the three powers (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) clash. Usually the cause is when one of the three attempts to dominate; typically it is the Executive (namely the government) attempting to subjugate Justice.
There are many such cases even in countries where Democracy works flawlessly, such as in the European Union. It is not weird then to have such cases in Greece too.
The issue raised by the leader of the main opposition during the discussion in Parliament on the loans towards political parties and media refers to the advanced method of influencing judges in trials that serve political purposes.
The Prime Minister or any minister does not have to right to determine the outcome of any trial. Until decision is issued, the judiciary is not allowed to discuss the case.
It is clear that the Government does not accept the principle of an independent Judiciary. In many cases the Executive will express itself while indicating its innermost desires. For example, before an investigation concludes, photocopies of selected sections of a the case file will unofficially, but openly, be distributed in the media.
The show continues with statements, such as by a member of the Government, foreshadowing the judicial decision. Thankfully there are judges who refuse to become instruments in the hands of politicians who dream of obsolete dictatorships.
Lies have short legs; and they run out.
In 18th century Prussia, King Frederick spent his summers in the summer palace at Sans Souci (“without care”) near Potsdam. A noisy windmill nearby annoyed and bothered Frederick, so demanded to buy it. The miller owner refused to sell it to the king, who then threatened to take it with force. Then the miller responded with the proverbial phrase that has left its mark in History: “Yes, but there are judges in Berlin”.
Stavros P. Psycharis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition
