The Greek political party SYRIZA has issued a statement condemning recent incidents of hostile remarks directed at journalists by government representatives. The party highlighted a specific instance where Dimitris Kairidis, a representative of the ruling New Democracy party, admonished Open TV journalists Mina Karami and Nikos Stravelakis with the phrase, "Do your job well!" This ultimatum is seen as part of a broader troubling trend of authoritarianism and arrogance displayed by officials towards the media.

SYRIZA's statement not only criticized Kairidis's remarks but also pointed to other recent attacks on journalists. For example, a severe confrontation occurred when Adonis Georgiadis publicly berated ERT journalist Kostas Papachlimintzos, translating his straightforward question into an accusation of "equidistance." Furthermore, the government's spokesperson, P. Marinakis, threatened legal action against journalist Christos Avramidis during a press briefing due to what was perceived as an inappropriate questioning. These incidents reflect a concerning climate for press freedom within the country.

The party's announcement underscores the critical nature of independent journalism in a democratic society and emphasizes the need for political leaders to respect the role of the press. SYRIZA's call to halt threats and intimidation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for media rights and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions against journalists, fostering a healthier environment for information dissemination in Greece.