Yanis Varoufakis on Greece’s move to fine unvaccinated people aged 60 and over

·

Greece has become the first European country to target an age group with a vaccination mandate.

Residents over the age of 60 who fail to book their first jab will face a monthly fine of about $150 Australian dollars.

Yanis Varoufakis has called the move a “draconian measure” and said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is “on confession of complete failure.”

“I had the Prime Minister in front of me in Parliament (two months ago) and… I said, ‘Imagine that you were to introduce a $200 fine every month for the unvaccinated… what effect is this going to have?,” the Greek MP tells ABC Breakfast

“Yes, some people are going to be vaccinated but you are going to divide the nation and make the anti-vaxxers, those who are skeptical of vaccines… a feeling within them that they are being martyred for being concerned.”

“What does he do yesterday? He announces that which I asked him exactly not to do.” 

There are about half a million people over the age of 60 in Greece who are yet to get vaccinated. 

Around 63 percent of Greece’s population of 11 million are fully vaccinated. 

“I can understand the necessity of getting the over-60s, the pensioners, vaccinated because they are the most vulnerable. It’s just that it doesn’t work,” he said.

“I am a firm supporter of the vaccination drive,” he said, “but you are not going to win this fight if you martyr those who are concerned instead of presenting them with the facts.”

Varoufakis says there is a correlation between mistrust in government and low vaccination rates. 

“People don’t believe our government anymore and that is detrimental to the vaccination drive,” he said.

Source: ABC Radio

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Andrew Caramanis: The Sydney student on a mission to preserve the Greek language

For Andrew Caramanis, the Greek language is more than just words – it’s a connection to his roots and a passion that shapes his identity.

Mavromoustakos brothers’ charity football match raises over $4,000 for African kids

The Mavromoustakos brothers' Charity Football Match made a triumphant return in 2025, once again uniting the community for a great cause.

Hundreds enjoy classic cars and Greek delights at Liverpool’s Summer Paniyiri

The Summer Paniyiri Car Show in Liverpool was a spectacular celebration of Greek culture, community spirit, and classic cars.

Experience the spirit of Epirus at the Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW’s Annual Dance

The Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW is set to hold an unforgettable evening of music, dance and culture at its highly anticipated Annual Dance.

Roma Siachos resigns as President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia

Roma Siachos has resigned as President of the Hellenic Writers' Association of Australia, citing family and personal reasons.

You May Also Like

Melbourne GP Magdalena Simonis calls for more training to deal with family violence

As a Melbourne GP with nearly three decades of experience, Dr Magdalena Simonis has consistently prioritised training in family violence.

Two Greek Australian professors named on Greece’s new AI Advisory Committee

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced the establishment of a new high-level AI (Artificial Intelligence) Advisory Committee.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins Greek community in honouring OXI Day

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has joined the Greek community today in honouring the 82nd anniversary of OXI Day.