NEWS

German MEP Chatzimarkakis to create party in Greece for European elections

German MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis has announced his intention to form a political party in Greece with the aim of it taking part in May’s European elections.

In an interview with Real News, the liberal Euro parliamentarian said he wanted his new movement to have a pro-European line.

“We envision a European union that will support its weakest members, that will respect the particularities of its member states and that will act decisively to tackle youth unemployment,” he said.

“This is the time for big decisions in Europe and Greece must try to play a decisive part.”

The MEP, who hails from Crete, announced in April that he would be quitting German politics at the end of his term at the European Parliament because of the way Cyprus was treated when its bailout was negotiated.

“My soul, my spirit does not permit me to continue, so I have decided not to stand again as a candidate in Germany,» the 46-year-old told the Athens-Macedonia News Agency, accusing German politicians of using stereotypes to tarnish the image of Cypriots and Greeks.

“It is very difficult to get messages across that are not governed by these stereotypes, which would have the Greeks being lazy and Cypriots being gangsters who have to be punished.”

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.