Alexis Tsipras used the phrase of Manolis Glezos – “even if it’s one euro, we are obliged to demand it” – during his speech in Alexandroupolis today on German reparations, amid a rejection message sent yesterday by Akis Skertsos, which caused a strong reaction from all Greek society.
As we reported previously, government spokesman Akis Skertsos said on Friday that Greece’s position on Germany’s reparations for World War II was expressed at the Prime Minister’s last meeting with German Chancellor Scholz. “This issue remains open, especially the occupation loan, and we look forward to discussing and resolving with the German government, recognizing the difficulties and unresolved legal issues,” Scherzos said in a statement. “The fact that we have not found a solution does not cast a shadow on the Greek German Relations and Prospects. He added that all other interpretations do not reflect reality.
“And today we see how the representative of the government, Mr. Schertzos, comes out and says that the long-standing national demand reparations for the period of German occupation and the occupation loan is no longer a requirement of our country“, – said the leader of the SYRIZA party.
“While four years ago, SYRIZA brought together all the parties in parliament and we signed a joint agreement that we would demand reparations from Germany. We all agreed to join forces to fight for reparations from Germany, and all parties agreed to unite for struggle for it. Even if it were one euro, we have the right and duty to demand it,” said A. Tsipras.
Concluding the discussion on this issue, Alexis Tsipras emphasized: “So, here are the great nationalists in easy times, who become lambs and vultures in difficult times. This is the reality.”
As we reported previously, government spokesman Akis Skertsos said on Friday that Greece’s position on Germany’s reparations for World War II was expressed at the Prime Minister’s last meeting with German Chancellor Scholz. “This issue remains open, especially the occupation loan, and we look forward to discussing and resolving with the German government, recognizing the difficulties and unresolved legal issues,” Scherzos said in a statement. “The fact that we have not found a solution does not cast a shadow on the Greek German Relations and Prospects. He added that all other interpretations do not reflect reality.
Schertzos’ statement was in fact a response to his own statements made the day before. On Thursday, speaking on TRT, Schertzos responded to a question about Germany’s reparations for World War II: “If we dwell on issues concerning the past, we will lose the battle for the future. We are a government that looks ahead.”
“What matters to Greece today is not the German reparations, but the climate crisis, the digital reform, the problems of attracting good investments to Europe, so as not to lose our production base. I think that if we waste time on questions about the past, we will lose fight for the future,” said Schertzos.
Schertzos’ statement was in fact a response to his own statements made the day before. On Thursday, speaking on TRT, Schertzos responded to a question about Germany’s reparations for World War II: “If we dwell on issues concerning the past, we will lose the battle for the future. We are a government that looks ahead.”
“What matters to Greece today is not the German reparations, but the climate crisis, the digital reform, the problems of attracting good investments to Europe, so as not to lose our production base. I think that if we waste time on questions about the past, we will lose fight for the future,” said Schertzos.
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