Kammenos: It’s either me or Mouzalas

The statements of Alternate Minister for Migration Policy Yannis Mouzalas who called FYROM ‘Macedonia’ led to political turmoil and intergovernmental crisis.

“It does not matter whether he apologizes or not. There will be a video showing a Greek minister calling FYROM ‘Macedonia” said leader of Independent Greeks and Minister of Defense Panos Kammenos clarifying: “We have a coalition government, I clearly state that I have no confidence in Mr. Mouzalas” adding that “I will not support a minister who makes such a tragic mistake”.

“If this was a blunder, as he argues, he should at least show some dignity and go home!” he stated.

Speaking to SKAI TV channel Mr. Mouzalas referred to the refugee influx into FYROM and said:  “We believe, and we have evidence, that this expectation was being cultivated by organizations which claim they are volunteers but have nothing to do with those that are actually helping and they organized their passage into Macedonia. I have the paper -the leaflet they gave them– they even scheduled a proper appointment. Police investigate the incident and we will soon have more on that,”.

Following the reactions caused, Mr. Mouzalas apologized talking to Athens 9.84 radio station: “I apologize. If I said something like that, it was a blunder”.

But it was too late, since politicians strongly disapproved his statements with leader of Independent Greeks Panos Kammenos asking his resignation.

However, the Prime Minister has not made any statements on the issue, while according to government sources, it was decided to try to diminish the issue and reject any possibility of resignation which would affect negatively the government, especially now that the refugee issue and negotiations talks are still in progress.

Mr. Mouzalas also issued an official statement apologizing for calling FYROM ‘Macedonia’ saying: “I apologize for the mistake I made during the interview with journalist Pavlos Tsimas, which does not reflect my stance and beliefs about the national issue of FYROM”.