Message

From the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou
To the Greeks abroad, on the occasion of Greek Independence Day of March 25^th

My dear compatriots,

Greek women and Greek men abroad,

It is with great pleasure that I address you today, the Greeks abroad, for the first time since the beginning of my term, on the occasion of the anniversary of our National Holiday. On March 25, 1821, Greeks rebelled in order to expel the Ottoman conqueror, to regain their precious freedom and build a modern, free and democratic state, following the examples of the American and French revolutions.

The contribution of the Greeks of the diaspora in the battle of 1821 was decisive, as the significant centers of Hellenism in terms of the spiritual, political, financial and numerical were all outside of the lands that comprised the first Greek state. The Society of Friends (“Filiki Eteria”) was founded in Odessa and the battle for freedom started in Moldovlachia. Many Greeks abroad participated and sacrificed themselves for this battle, while the Greek communities in Vienna, Paris, Bucharest, Iasi, Budapest, Trieste, Venice and other areas contributed spiritually and materially to the revolution.

The role of the Greeks of the diaspora did not end with the attainment of our freedom. From the first moment, the forces of Greeks worldwide were by the side of the new Greek state. It is not unrelated that most of our nation’s greatest benefactors are from abroad, while the same holds true for many other people who played a pivotal role in the Greece’s public life. And today you worthy continuators of the Greeks of that era, I am certain that you will continue to stand by Greece, just like those us who live inside the borders of the Greek state, must stand by the side of Greeks worldwide.

This need is even greater today when our nation faces intense challenges in a fluid international environment. We must all act with determination, so that we may face the aggressive behavior of neighboring states, which, among others, use desperate people as a tool to undermine our national sovereignty, disregarding human suffering and international law. During such difficult times, we must at the same time preserve the value of Hellenism, like freedom, democracy, equality and human rights.

We will move forward based on these values, united and creative, so that we may secure a prosperous future that fits us all. A future which, inspired by a European vision, connects with a new patriotism, one that does not counter cosmopolitism, but is a prerequisite for it. This is the patriotism that Giorgos Seferis had in mind, when, speaking to the Greeks of Egypt, a historical section of Greeks abroad, of General Makrigianni, mentioned the “a moment when we look and ponder and try to discern the destiny of Hellenism through the veil and beyond the wide turn that the history of the world has made in our times” and he reminded them of the General’s words that “we have this homeland all together, wise and ignorant, and rich and poor, and politicians and soldiers, and even the smallest people.”

My dear compatriots,

The days we are living through bring with them the heavy load of the global spread of the pandemic of coronavirus, a tragic health crisis that requires calm and strict adherence to the measures set forth by those in charge. This year, we will not have any parades and events for our national holiday. Every Greek though, wherever they may be, it is certain will feel national pride and will celebrate this day, not en masse, but in their hearts and soul. This year, our national duty calls on us to show a spirit of collective conscience and individual responsibility. I wish and hope that this battle too, which is not just about Hellenism, but about all humanity, will soon, with the cooperation of the international scientific community, will be won. And that next year, we will celebrate the 200 years since the Revolution of 1821 in the brightest way.

Read the President’s original message in Greek. 

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Sunday, March 22nd, as he announces the nation’s most restrictive measures yet. 

My fellow citizens,

Just a few moments ago, I instructed the relevant ministers to proceed with the necessary actions, so that as of 6 AM on Monday, March 23rd, so from tomorrow, a ban of any unnecessary movement and movement of citizens across the country will go into effect.

This may be, the final step of an organized Democratic State. Which, though, must be taken in time, so that it is not in vein. Because time is no longer calculated in days, but in hours. And bold and immediate initiatives are demanded of us.

Our Constitution says that the State must “take care of Citizens’ Health” and intervene when the exercise of personal freedoms takes over its constitutional purpose and threatens society.
And when the response of one is proven deficient, then the public interest must be ensured. In the name of the collective good, then, I am proceeding with today’s decision: To protect our Health and all that we have accomplished thus far in this area. I have already informed the President of the Hellenic Republic and the leaders of the opposition parties of my decision.

So, from tomorrow morning, the only ones allowed on the road will be those going to and from their work. Those traveling to get food and medicine. Those visiting a doctor or a person who needs care. And, those exercising alone or in pairs or accompanying their pet. Finally, the one-time transfer to their permanent residence for those in urban centers.

Whoever is outside must have their ID or passport on their person. And the purpose for the movement will be authenticated: Either with a document from the employer – if you are an employee – or with a solemn declaration for the self-employed. Steps have already been taken for the simple and citizen-friendly retrieval of said declarations through the internet or through a text message or even by completing it by hand.

Finally, the authorities responsible for ensuring the implementation of this measure are Greek Police, Municipal Police, the Coast Guard and the Hellenic National Transparency Agency. All violators will receive a 150 Euro fine per violation.

The following are exempt from these measures, obviously members of the government and the Parliament, State employees and all members of Health services, Civil Protection, Security Forces and the Armed Forces. More details will be presented soon by the relevant ministers.

My compatriots,

In Italy, unfortunately, one person is lost every two minutes. And the situation is worsening throughout the world. I owe, therefore, not to allow such a trial to overtake our country. We cannot reach the point where we are choosing who will live and who will die. My choice is only one: the life and health of Greeks!

I thank the vast majority of citizens who understood the threat and stay home. By deserting the streets and squares, we exile danger. And by staying home, we turn them into fortresses for life.
I will not allow, however, a few frivolous individuals to undermine the safety of many. Because the few irresponsible can hurt thousands of responsible citizens. So, as difficult times are reaching this battle, we must close the backdoor to evil. And this is the objective of tomorrow’s movement restrictions.

From the first moment of this health crisis, the government has informed citizens honestly. Has organized the medical infrastructure for the country, moving forward with hiring additional nursing staff, but also in supplies of difficult to find medical equipment. It restructured the Public sector’s services.

And, in just a few days, announced three brave measures for the support of the labor force and businesses. All this, while securing – at the same time – our borders and the borders of Europe. The State has, therefore, shown that it was and is present everywhere.

Now, though, it is the time, more than ever, when the individual identifies with the collective: Now is the time of the citizen!

Coronavirus does not recognize borders or nations, income or social groups. It threatens people, whoever they may be, wherever they may live. Across from him, we are all equal.

Only some are more vulnerable. Grandfathers, grandmothers, our parents. Our fellow citizens with chronic diseases, who in the midst of a crisis, must find refuge in the National Health System. Greeks have not stopped falling ill from other illnesses as well. And we must care for them as well.

Yesterday, Professor Tsiordas, with a lump in his throat, spoke of the responsibility of the young towards their elders. Let this emotional response by a human being who is lifting this immense weight with a clear mind and absolute dignity, be a wake-up call.

Now is the time that we all stand up for ourselves, rewrite a new social contract. With the first commitment to breaking the chain of the virus transmission: each one of us must cease to be a transmission link to the person next to us.

My fellow citizens,

The government is upholding its duties, caring and reaching all corners of our land. However, I will repeat: The greatest weapon against this invisible enemy is our personal behavior: We do not move without cause. We stay home. We shouldn’t offend with our behavior, those who are fighting at our hospitals night and day for our own health.

Because staying at home, staying in our core area, is a highly democratic slogan of collective responsibility. It is not a limitation. But a declaration of respect to all of us.

This is how we will prove that our social fabric is compact and has a conscience. And that together we are carrying the weight of our nation. We will have to enlist all of our reservoirs of strength and patience so that we can overcome this crisis.

I would like to close with the words of American President, Theodore Roosevelt, which are apt, I believe, for those fighting against a threat and being called to do much more in these coming days, “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause.”

On behalf of the Greek women and the Greek men, I thank them. And I call on all of you to show them our gratitude through our daily stance. Because individual desires must subside to the collective will, the nation falls on all our hands. We are all Greece. Let us protect her, then! So that we can meet tomorrow healthier, stronger and more optimistic.

We do not move. We stay united, united response to the pandemic.

Read and watch the Prime Minister’s address in Greek. 

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Thursday, March 19^th – his third in a week – on the government’s response to the coronavirus and the measures to boost the economy.

My fellow citizens,

We communicate once again, as I promised you, with new information on the health front and the state of our economy. I would like to announce our new initiatives. But I also want to send you another message of unity, discipline and responsibility.

I will repeat this as simply as I can: Difficult times are still ahead. We implemented drastic measures before other countries so that we can curb the spread of the virus, but we do not know yet how effective they will be.

The next weeks will be decisive for our country. It is in our power to ensure that these weeks prove difficult and complicated but not detrimental. I ask you not to destroy now all that we have recently built.

In Italy, they do not have enough coffins to bury their dead. And still, I detect from some, an unjustified complacency. And I will not tolerate it.

Yes, we have every reason to be optimistic that science will address this pandemic sooner than expected. But, for the next months, there will be no mass solution.

We will rely on the abilities of the National Health System, which is being boosted in warp speed: We are adding emergency rooms and beds, buying ventilators and consumables. And hiring 2000 nurses and medical specialists.

The private sector is operating under the guidance of the Ministry of Health. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those present, with their significant contributions, during this critical time. I call on the absentees, to reflect on their own responsibilities.

I also appeal to citizens to listen only to scientific announcements. “Fake news” harms our health, both physical and mental.

The arsenal of restrictive measures that the government can take is almost exhausted. This evil only needs one link beside it in order to spread. And this chain of fear can only be broken if we take one step backwards. We stay home, avoiding unnecessary contact.

This weekend we have the opportunity to show our social responsibility: since we have no business obligation, we do not move! We stay home and read, listen to music, watch movies, communicate with our loved ones.

We take a walk or run alone. And in any case, we avoid gatherings.

It is us and our behavior that will determine whether the government needs to take even more drastic measures restricting movement.

And one last thing. The virus does not recognize borders and distances. The smaller the island where someone believes that they can find refuge to be protected, the more difficult, if not impossible, will his care be if he gets sick there.

My fellow citizens,

The next months will be very difficult for our economy too. Now, though, we have more weapons in our arsenal to support labor and production.

After our release from the unbearable surpluses of the past, yesterday’s decision by the European Central Bank, for the first time, includes our country in a QE program (Quantitative-easing program).

Finally, after a 10 year financial crisis, Greece is treated just like all other European countries.

This development gives us the opportunity to implement a much more ambitious program to support the real economy. This program is dynamic and will be formed along with the developments.

Today, I announce that the National Budget is being revised. So, beyond the measures that have already launched, up to 3.9 billion Euros, approximately an additional 3 billion Euros will be made available to support the economy from the state budget. And at least 3 billion more from the restructuring of the NSRF.

I’m referring to about 10 billion Euros, without the projections of the provision of additional liquidity to businesses from the available financial tools.

As a result, I can announce to you today that we are extending the emergency salary of 800 euro to the end of April, including to all those who are employed by businesses that continue to operate with a reduction in turnover.

This measure does not only apply to businesses that have suspended operation, but the vast majority of employees in the private sector. For whom the state will cover all of their insurance costs as well.

The 800 Euro support will be received by all freelance professionals and self- employed in the nation. And for them, the monthly tax contributions will be suspended.

Eight hundred euros will be sent to all those fired or forced to quit between March 1^st and up until yesterday. We are taking care of, above all, those who were hit first and with more force by this crisis.

The Easter Bonus will be deposited in full by all employers to all employees, just as they are entitled to. The exact date of deposit will be announced by the relevant Ministry.

In any case, an emergency Easter bonus will be received this year by our heroes in green and white gowns. Those working at our nation’s hospitals, as well as, the employees of the Civil Protection bureau, who have been working day and night to keep us all safe.

I would like to emphasize, once more, that no one in our country will be left alone to go through this trial.

My personal commitment is not to stop fighting for a dual purpose.

The greatest resource of this land is its people, Greek women and Greek men, and their health is my first concern.

But, their prosperity is also a priority. The government will keep alive the seed of development that had already begun to bear fruit.

The next day can be better. And the dawn will be brighter if we stay responsible and disciplined. United, but with a distance from one another!

We stay home, we stay optimistic, we stay determined, we stay – above all – healthy!

Read and watch the Prime Minister’s address in Greek. 

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Tuesday, March 17^th – his second in a week – on the spread of the coronavirus.

My fellow citizens,

I am addressing you once more – a second time in just a few days – in regards to the threat of the coronavirus. Because as the pandemic continues to spread causing thousands of deaths in many countries. As well as the first severe losses in our country.

At these moments – where it seems like time cannot keep up with events – I choose to communicate with you more often. And to personally update you of new information, the decisions we are making and the plans we are forming.

Speaking always the language of truth and with the council of specialists as our steady guide.

We are at war. With an enemy who is invisible, but not invincible. Because if we succeed in curbing the spread of the virus, we will give time to the health system in order to address urgent cases.

Our first priority is one and is non-negotiable: To save lives. Our top concerns are people and public health.

This is why we enforced, much earlier than other European countries, unprecedented measures during peacetime. And we are continuing in that direction.

From tomorrow, all retail stores will be closed, except for those with first aid products and services.

The Public sector has already restructured its resources, adopting new technologies in that direction, in order to protect vulnerable members of the population. Businesses are following suit, thanks to online shopping.

From the beginning, we had three goals and they remain the same since the battle continues:

Limiting the spread of the virus. Reinforcing the health system. And supporting the economy and the workforce. I will start from the last point.

Just yesterday it was decided at Eurogroup that the goal for this year is no longer to keep the primary fiscal surplus at 3.5%. All expenditures for the health and immigration crisis will not be calculated in the 2020 budget. Emergency spending on support for the unemployed, the financially weak and welfare structures are also not included. Go ahead and visit their site to get more information on immigration laws and how they can affect you.

We will be able to also offer immediate and without additional bureaucracy, NSRF resources for the market and employment.

Practically and as a first phase, the government will provide 2 billion euros to assist production activities that are facing problems due to reduced turnover.

While the state and not the business will undertake to deposit part of the salary of employees from industries that are suffering.

Furthermore, all tax and insurance liabilities are suspended, while we legislate emergency measures that will allow for the greatest possible flexibility so that we can salvage jobs.

We are also coordinating with the Bank of Greece and the European Central Bank to avoid a new generation of “red” loans: The state will cover the interest on loans and on their end, the banks will suspend until September debt payments for businesses in good standing.

We want to salvage jobs. And I urge businesses not to proceed with layoffs. Because there will be measures that will boost liquidity and will allow you to persevere during this adventure.

Soon I will participate in a teleconference with the European Union Summit, aiming to expand the scope of government action. But to also convey the message that we must face this crisis united and with the cost equally shared by society. By the public and private sector. But also with the tangible support of Europe itself.

We will be fighting holding up this flag. And it is this flag that these new drastic measures are in service of, measures which will be expanded upon tomorrow by the Ministers of Finance, Development, and Labor.

On the Health front, the 2000 nurses who have been immediately hired are being directed to their posts. From today, NIMTS military hospital will be a Medical Care Center for Coronavirus Incidents. Similarly, the newly built Attica clinic in Thriasio will also be used as a Medical Care Center. In total, 1900 new beds have been added to the Health System.

I pray that we do not need them all… But that, as I have already told you, depends on all of us.

We are at the beginning of our battle, which is difficult, especially for the next two months! The coordination of this battle is not undertaken by the Secretariat of Civil Protection, through which all public services are managed.

This is what Secretary Nikos Chardalias has been promoted already to Undersecretary, with special jurisdiction, addressing the pandemic. And, every evening at 6 PM, along with infectious disease specialist, Dr. Sotiris Tsiodras, will responsibly update citizens.

Nothing, though, can occur without the dedication of our staff.

The fighters of our hospitals deserve all of our help. They are the heroes in white and green shirts. Just like the executives of Civil Protection and our people in uniform, who day and night offer of themselves for the public good. I thank them, I thank you, on behalf of all Greeks.

A round of applause and public praise are not sufficient thanks and I will personally see to it that you receive more.

The greatest weapon against the coronavirus remains social distancing. And, as the virus is transmitted through contact, it is this that we must adjust.

Even the doctors are telling us as much: “We remain standing at the hospitals for you. And you must remain home for us.”

The doctors advise us: Don’t behave as healthy individuals, who do not leave the house so that they do not get sick. But think about it differently: As if you already have the virus and you do not want to give it to anyone else.

Gatherings are the greatest traps. This is why we have banned them.

So, we stay at home. What was once referred to as cocooning and became a trend for the young, today is a necessity and a duty for all of us.

Let us be alone, but not lonely! Protected, not besieged! And isolated, but not alienated.

Because we are being asked to change only our habits, not our culture. To build a new social norm based on responsibility.

Our first concern remains the safeguarding of our elderly and vulnerable groups. And this responsibility weighs on all of us, especially the young. Be careful: You are most likely going to have a mild case of the virus or without any symptoms. However, by circulating unnecessarily, you are circulating the virus as well.

You are threatening your parents and grandparents. But you are also in danger yourselves. Because by increasing the number of patients, our hospitals will flood.

And this means that if tomorrow you have an accident, you fall off your motorcycle, you will not have the intensive care to treat you. As a result, carelessness is not a form of pseudo-resistance, it is not “coolness” or intelligence. It is simply irresponsible.

My compatriots everywhere in Greece,

In the coming two months the danger will grow. This is why new restrictions will follow. And we will all have to show discipline.

For those who behave antisocially, they will be made an example and punished. Because they will have committed two crimes: One against the law and one against life.

The same holds true for those who transmit the virus of misinformation with unsubstantiated rumors. Because panic is as dangerous as the virus itself.

And those who first lose sight of responsibility and their own humanity, cannot then wonder “where is the state.” The first and only word now belongs to the doctors and the State.

In the world today, two political and ethical perspectives have formed regarding addressing the pandemic:

The first views this health threat from the prism of the economy, which will have to be supported no matter how many the victims in the meantime.

It is the choice of the states that refuse dynamic measures, even though it seems like some are rethinking this approach now. But they do not cease to treat humans as numbers that will survive in time and the so-called “herd immunity”.

The second perspective places a priority in the health of society, independent of the required cost. It recognizes that the next day will be difficult, perhaps even a nightmare.

After all, everyone speaks of “wartime conditions.” So, the economy must operate as a “wartime economy.” What we have been experiencing is not “15 days of relaxing vacation,” at the end of which we will all return to things as they were, as if nothing happened.

So, this position entails many and drastic measures. It relies on citizens’ discipline to curb the pandemic, which will have victims. However, no matter what the debris, it requires as many healthy people to rebuild.

And this exactly is my choice.

So, first and foremost is the care of people. Every Greek woman, every Greek man, every Greek child individually. For their life and health, I will take all costs!

My fellow citizens,

The government is standing up in the face of its duty. But believe me, victory will only come if all of us – every one of us individually – operate as disciplined soldiers during this “war for life.” Because the enemy is invisible and insidious. Stay safe, stay home!

Science is working hard and will finally discover the antidote to this pandemic. We will not come out of this unscathed. But we must come out stronger. With losses, yes, to our economy. But, with the strength to rebuild what was lost.

And with the values of a new social identity. Born out of emergency conditions, but that will quickly transform into the driving forces of the next day.

Above all, though, this adventure calls on us to show our individual responsibility. Our bravery and our collective vigor.

As well as our filotimo, which we so often refer to, but for which the time has come to make it a tangible daily routine.

With these tools – united and together – we will make it through. Greeks will once again be victors!

Read the Prime Minister’s address online or watch the video. (both in Greek)