Greece to ban spyware as parliamentary debate on wiretapping scandal heats up

·

Greek lawmakers are set to approve plans to outlaw commercial spyware following weeks of allegations that senior government officials may have been targeted, AP News has reported.

Under the draft legislation to be voted on later Thursday, the use, sale or distribution of spyware in Greece will carry a penalty of a two-year minimum prison sentence. 

Speaking in parliament, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the reforms as “a bold institutional response to a challenge that… does not only concern our country.”

Reports have emerged in recent months in Greece of multiple members of the cabinet such as PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, senior officials and journalists, being targeted with spyware.

SYRIZA leader, Alexis Tsipras, brought up these reports in Parliament on Thursday during the debate, clashing with Mitsotakis.

Tsipras described the draft legislation before the house as a “cover-up bill.” He accused Mitsotakis of “cowardice” and “audacity” and demanded that he resign once it is “proven” that he “lied” about whether other political figures are also being wiretapped.

Mitsotakis challenged Tsipras to table a motion of no confidence in the government and reacted to allegations that he had wiretapped members of his own government.

“Is it possible that you are implying that I was monitoring a government minister? Shame on you for even implying it. Do you now feel a little embarrassed?” Mitsotakis asked.

In the end, the Greek PM packed up his papers and left the Parliament Plenary, abruptly ending the surveillance bill debate.

Facing elections before next summer, the government of Mitsotakis’ centre-right New Democracy party has seen its strong lead in opinions polls in recent weeks suffer as a result of the wiretapping allegations and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

READ MORE: Alexis Tsipras tells EU officials Greece’s wiretapping scandal endangers democracy.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Review: A Cretan culinary journey with Peter Conistis at Ammos, Brighton-Le-Sands

To mark the first anniversary of Ammos at Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, Peter Conistis launched his much-anticipated regional dinner series.

Greek Welfare Centre launches 2025 Winter Community Appeal to support families in need

The Greek Welfare Centre will host its annual Winter Community Appeal on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at Marrickville Town Hall, from 9am to 4pm.

Fronditha Care finalists shine in national aged care awards

Ageing Australia’s 2025 You are ACE! Awards are a national initiative that recognises individuals making a positive impact in aged care.

Australia-Greece medical ties strengthen with push for mutual recognition of degrees

Efforts to enhance Australia-Greece medical cooperation were the focus of a meeting between Dr Pirpiris, Dr Pantos and Prof Arkadopoulos.

Cypriot Australian Koraly Dimitriadis wins US poetry award

Controversial, Cypriot-Australian poet, writer, performer, film and theatre maker, Koraly Dimitradis's first poetry book, Love and Fck Poems.

You May Also Like

Five Greek Australians win at the St George Football Association Gold Medal Awards

Five Greek Australians have won at the 2022 St George Football Association Gold Medal Presentation.

Greece’s Prime Minister pledges to ‘fix sins of the past’

Re-elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged his conservative government would “fix the sins of the past”.

George Lekakis appointed to lead Victoria’s fight against antisemitism

George Lekakis has been appointed to lead a new advisory group called the Local Escalation And Help (LEAH) group.