On Klaus Boetig, Chrysi Avgi, Papariga, tax evasion arrests

On Klaus Boetig

It was about time we read about this issue also in a Greek newspaper even though the article misses a bit of the ironic dimension for Klaus Boetig as a person.

A guy who lost his heart to Greece long time ago, who has published numerous picture guides, articles and travel books about Greece, who probably has done more promotion in a positive way than any Greek politician or tourism campaign has ever done or will ever do is pulled to court for an ironic article that was unfortunately published in a negative context without his knowledge.

Just a short look at his homepage will make you understand that the intention of this guy on Greece is nothing but good.

Some Greek lawyers are obviously keen on getting their 5 minutes of fame in this sad story and don?t care that they are playing their game on the back of one of the best friends Greece could ever imagine.

Instead of being pulled to court that guy should get a medal of being a positive Ambassador of Greece in Germany for decades now.s

Sebastian Schroeder

Patra

God save Greece from the irresponsible Greek politicians

I was shocked reading your Greek edition this morning. The reason is that my eyebrows skyrocketed after reading the following news in your reputable newspaper:

While during the last two and a half years the Greek economy has touched the brink of bankruptcy, the «Greek parliament approved 7.7 million euros to finance the Greek political parties».

In my own mind, I know that a Government awards its own public servants or any natural or legal person, based only on a merit system which has been evaluated a satisfactory to outstanding performance or excellence. Emphasis added.

And while I do not proclaim myself to be a very prudent or wise man, I believe that if I had been elected to any public position to serve the well-being of my people, then categorically, I would set my first priority only the interest of the people and not the interest of my own pocket.

It is said though that in Greece, the majority of members of the legislation, while voting, consider their first priority only their own self interest and self-dealing; and thus, they set a secondary priority position to the interests of the public at large.

As a native of Greece and a far distant observer in North America, it breaks my heart when the Greek TV and radio stations report to their viewers and listeners the misery and poverty of the seniors, the terminated public servants, the young unemployed and low income earners.

And yet, all I myself can do now is pray for Greece and recommend to the Greek electorate that during the upcoming election they vote out from office, regardless of party colors, all those legislators that approved the 7.7 million euros. After all, in these rough economic times, Greece needs sophisticated and prudent leaders, not the present clone politicians. Thank you and Happy Easter to all of you.

John Ress

Re: Papariga comments

Papariga’s comments in this article show just how out of touch the Communist Party is. Not only are they totally irrelevant to the modern world, they do not have a clue as to how to deal with Greece’s considerable problems at this very difficult time. Align Greece with the Middle East and North Africa? KKE apparently would be more comfortable with Greece as a third-world country… and for good reason. That is the only kind of country their governance could possibly attempt to sustain, if only given the chance. The amazing thing is the number of deluded Greeks who actually still support KKE.

James Smeader

Nafplion

Tax evasion arrests

Arresting tax evaders sounds good in print but will they actually be prosecuted and serve jail time?

Maybe just a slap on the wrist and a fine is more likely. I’m not sure Greece has the stomach to do what needs to be done.

Rositta Buracas

New generation of political leaders, please

Job opening in Greece!

Wanted: individual (male or female) approximately 40 to 50 years of age

Position: Prime Minister of Greece

Background requirements:

– Reform minded

– Well educated (top Greek university plus post-grad work in economics outside Greece)

– Excellent understanding of free market capitalism

– Firm proponent of free market capitalism

– Excellent communication skills (e.g. ability to effectively communicate why communism and socialism are both outdated ludicrous economic theories)

– Strong moral backbone (uncorruptible)

– Secret desire to be a hero and saviour of Greece…

Samaras is not going to get it done. Wrong generation (= Papandreou) and career insider. If you are out there, hero (or heroine), now is the time to step up. (Please)

Peter O’Hara

The rise of Chrysi Avgi

It is no coincidence that Chrysi Avgi is now polling nationally at 3.5-4% across Greece. At the top of their agenda is illegal immigration, crime and taking back the centre of Athens. For many years the Greek residents in the centre of Athens have often complained about crime and illegal immigrants being dumped on their doorsteps. The two main political parties have done little to address their issues. Along comes Chrysi Avgi and offers the people vigilante protection at night and calls for all illegal immigrants to be deported.

The party’s leader Mr Nicolas Mihaloliakos has also stated that he is blacklisted from giving interviews to mainstream Greek media outlets or being invited on their shows as they consider him a fascist, a term he rejects. Mr Mihaloliakos calls this «a lack of democracy» by those who advocate free speech. On this I have to agree with him; let the Greek people hear what he has to say and let them decide for themselves. How often do we hear SYRIZA and KKE preaching their lines in the mainstream Greek media?

Chrysi Avgi has caused such a stir that we now have ND, LAOS and PASOK all bidding as to who is going to do the best job in tackling crime and illegal immigration. At the end of the day the rise of far-right parties across Europe is the result of governments? failure to tackle illegal immigration and crime.

George Salamouras

Greek banks continue to bleed deposits

At the begining of the article you state that «Greek firms and consumers continued to pull their money from the banks, in February.» Where did all this money go?

If it was used to pay everyday bills or other items it will appear in another account or bank. If it went to foreign banks there must be a trail of this so the beneficiary can be found.

If the banking regulations allow for a withdrawal with no trace for a big amount, then they must be changed immediately

Dina Hatzipavlu