Editorial: In the grey zone of surveillance

There were plenty of tensions, extremely weighty accusations, diversionary tactics, efforts to offset misdeeds through comparisons with the past, and even the trading of insults between party leaders during the 27 August extraordinary session of Parliament, which debated the dark affair of National Intelligence Service (EYP) wiretappings, that for weeks has burdened and wounded the country's political life.

High-pitched rhetoric and waves of distrust and mutual recriminations filled the chamber of the legislature, leaving citizens with a bitter aftertaste.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis steadfastly stuck to his initial contention that he was unaware of EYP's shenanigans.

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He said that from the moment he was briefed about the affair he acted swiftly and demanded the resignation of the director of the National Intelligence Service, accepted the resignation of his chief of staff [who was responsible for the supervision of EYP as Mitsotakis straight after his election in 2019 placed it under the direct jurisdiction of the PM's office], and hastened to take measures to correct the dysfunctions of EYP.

Indeed, he said that he was open to proposals from other parties that would add oversight filters and that would secure and safeguard EYP against possible arbitrary actions and mistakes by those in positions of responsibility.

The PM stressed the critical importance of the work of the National Intelligence Service and extolled its multi-faceted contribution to Greece's national security, especially at a time when the country is confronted with complex threats, amidst extraordinary and delicate geopolitical conditions.