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Greece has one of the EU’s worst records for corruption

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Greece has one of the EU’s worst records for corruption

Transparency International has released its latest report about anti-corruption efforts in Western Europe and the EU.

Corruption in Western Europe and the European Union is getting worse, according to experts’ perceptions, and this is the first time it’s got worse in over a decade.

According to euronews, Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) looked at 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

The report highlighted that Greece (49) scored very low on the 2023 list due to its weak judicial independence. It is found almost at the bottom of the list ranked 24th among the 27 EU member states.

The latest report

According to the report, experts and business people find that the world’s least corrupt country is Denmark, followed closely by Finland and New Zealand in second and third place respectively.

The best-performing countries were Denmark (90), Finland (87) and Norway (84), while the lowest-ranked ones were Hungary (42), Romania (46) and Bulgaria (45).

“The fall of the regional CPI score in Western Europe and the EU demonstrates that European governments need to take the fight against corruption and upholding the rule of law more seriously,” said Flora Cresswell, Transparency International’s Western Europe regional coordinator. 

Source: euronews.com

Opinion: A call for unity and progress among Sydney’s Greeks

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Opinion: A call for unity and progress among Sydney’s Greeks

By Kerry Koliadis

I recently watched an interview given by the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Mr Bill Papastergiadis, to a Greek radio station during Christmas of 2023.

I felt very proud as a Greek, and I would like to express my congratulations to Mr Papastergiadis for what he has offered and continues to offer to the Greek community of Melbourne.

Bill Papastergiaidis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.

The Greek Community of Melbourne has achieved many things and is an example of Greek tradition, progress and culture.

The Greek Centre in Melbourne, a 15-storey building, is something that other multi-ethnic communities envy; this tells us that you can achieve much when there is unity among others and differences of opinion do not stop what is intended for the greater good of society.

The Greek Community Centre in Melbourne.

Unfortunately, here in Sydney, we have not followed and used the Greek progressive spirit as it should be used. We have hundreds of clubs and small organisations that we could all very well join together as one organisation, just as Melbourne does.

We, the first Greek immigrants, one by one, are slowly moving into the next world, but we must do what we can for future generations who will continue their lives in this country and carry the Greek culture and heritage that we have brought here, to reign forever.

On Christmas Day, I had a phone call from my good friend Mr Warwick Stacey, and he told me that he had gotten his degree in Ancient Greek.

Warwick said to me, “Now I am ready to protect the Western Civilisation. Because this civilisation began in the small country called Greece, something we should all feel very proud of.”

Whenever Warwick, a retired officer from the Australian Special Forces service, calls me, he always starts with “molon lave”.

The Kemps Creek land better known as ‘The Hellenic Village’.

In Greece we have the same service, the LOK (Lokatzides).

I hope that the New Year 2024 will enlighten all those who hold positions in Greek clubs and associations here in Sydney, and start a movement of unity for the good of the whole community and for the good of future generations.

I also hope that the Greek clubs that have shares in the Kemps Creek land (Hellenic Village) will decide something positive for the whole of the Greek community and put aside their personal interests.

George Iakovidis: Farewell to our much-loved Melbourne journalist

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George Iakovidis: Farewell to our much-loved Melbourne journalist

By Michael Mystakidis.

Well-known and beloved Greek journalist and publisher, George Iakovidis, has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a profound legacy in expatriate circles and beyond.

The heart-breaking news comes only a few days after the death of another former journalist of The Greek Herald, George Galanis.

Iakovidis was born in 1932, in Drama, north-eastern Greece. After graduating from high school, Iakovidis joined the Security Corps and served in the gendarmerie.

At the end of the 1960’s and the mass immigration, Iakovidis chose Australia as his second home, where he stayed permanently in Melbourne.

He was drawn to the news industry, becoming involved with the Greek-language printed press. It was here he found his life partner and beloved wife, Anna, who gave him two sons, Nikos and Stavros. Anna passed away 14 years ago, however, devastating Iakovidis.

Iakovidis went on to publish a small bi-weekly conservative socio-political newspaper, “Chronos” with Karas. The newspaper had 24 pages of small format 26.5×39 and had an ephemeral duration. The structure of the newspaper was stable and consistent, carrying news from Greece and Australia. There were reports from Sydney and Adelaide, permanent columns, and a high-quality sports page.

For a period of time, Iakovidis worked at Neos Kosmos and later switched to the large publishing complex of the late Theodore Skalkos, where he worked for decades.

Occasionally, Iakovidis was involved in journalistic parochial work during 1974-1983, and later again from 1985-1990, while his main job was page-making alongside artistic consultation.

With his hard work and honesty, he won the esteem of Skalkos’ editor, becoming his man of the people, who rightly promoted him to the position of production manager of the dozens of Greek and English-language newspapers printed in Melbourne post offices.

Iakovidis was a wonderful colleague with a tasteful sense of humour, a good family man, a decent human being and a great Greek patriot with a great contribution to the Pontian Association of Panagia Soumela and the Pontian Centre of Melbourne and to the Pontian element of Australia in general.

In addition, Iakovidis took part in the community organisation of Hellenism and served as President and Secretary to the Drama Association and the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria.

The management of The Greek Herald extends its sincere condolences to Iakovidis’ family.

Cretans from Australia and NZ encouraged to attend 2024 National Youth Trip to Greece

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Cretans from Australia and NZ encouraged to attend 2024 National Youth Trip to Greece

The Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, in conjunction with CLIMS of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, is hosting the 2024 National Youth Trip to Greece comprising of an educational, social, informative, historical, cultural and religious program.

This program is initially open to youth from the Federation’s Member Organisations in Australia and NZ, until the 18th of February 2024. It will then be opened to the other Greek youth. CLIMS will be covering the expenses for the Accommodation, Bus Transfers, Meals, Events and Tour Guides in Athens.

Each Youth participant must cover their international and domestic return airfares to Greece and back, as well as from Athens to Crete and back. The trip will take place on and around the Spring School Holiday Period commencing on Saturday 20th September 2024 to Sunday 5th October 2024.

Registration and Booking Cost is $300 per participant. Please note, this is non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances.

Melbourne Victory Academy graduate George Mihailidis signs for Austria Vienna

The Greek Herald
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Melbourne Victory Academy graduate George Mihailidis signs for Austria Vienna

Melbourne Victory Academy graduate, George Mihailidis, has signed for Austrian Bundesliga giants, Austria Vienna.

Mihailidis – who joined the Victory Academy in 2020 as a 14-year-old – played the last season in the NPL2 U21’s side before securing his move abroad to Europe after an extensive trial period in Austria.

The midfielder reflected on his time at Victory fondly, thanking all the coaches and staff who supported his journey at Victory.

“I’ve had an amazing time here at the Club. Everyone here has helped me at a football and personal level with my development and I’m excited for the next chapter in my journey,” Mihailidis said.

“The Club has supported me during the period where I trailed abroad and with some of my injury setbacks so I think the last couple of years being able to work with Pala (Joe Palatsides) and Roddy (Rodrigo Vargas) as well as the other coaches and to get to experience playing consistently against older players has helped me for opportunities like this.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me. One that will allow me to test myself against some of the best players across Europe and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Head of Academy, Joe Palatsides was also thrilled to be able to have players from Victory’s Academy catch the eye of European Clubs.

“We’re pleased for George and the exciting opportunity that he has in front of him and we couldn’t be prouder of his development as a footballer and as a person,” Palatsides said.

“There’s no greater pride we get as coaches in the Academy to see our products make their debut for the senior side but at the same time, we are just as proud to be able to create different pathways for players to become football citizens and fulfil their dream of being a professional footballer here at Victory or abroad.

“We’ve had a lot of success over the last couple of seasons seeing our Academy products head to overseas clubs and George is another example of that.

“We have a responsibility as coaches to create players who are ready to produce and show their abilities at a wide range of levels and the feedback we received was that our players consistently show they are up to those levels.

“George showed great character in the face of adversity over the past couple of seasons. That period taught him to be professional and diligent with his recovery and training and his return from the setback probably spoke to his mental strength and determination to prove himself when he went abroad.”

Source: Melbourne Victory

Registrations now open for Certificate of Attainment in Greek language exams

The Greek Herald
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Registrations for the examinations for the 2024 Certificate of Attainment in Greek language are now open.

The examinations for the 2024 Certificate of Attainment in Greek language will take place in May this year at the Greek Community of Melbourne, Examination Centre of Melbourne, Code No: 61007.

The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is the only national certificate, officially recognised by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, that confirms the knowledge of Greek as a foreign/second language, starting from A1, for children 8-12 years old, to C2.

Candidates who wish to participate in exams for all levels must have completed their 8th year by May 31st, of the current year. Additionally, candidates for A1 level (8-12 years) must not be older than 12 years on May 31st, of the current year.

It is recommended for the candidates under the age of 16 years old to avoid taking the examination at levels B2, C1 and C2, because the content of exam items requires knowledge and experience which younger candidates may not possess.

Registrations are to be processed electronically through the electronic registration system available at: http://www.greek-language.gr/certification/application/index.html This environment gives candidates access to the May 2024 application and questionnaire. However, in extreme circumstances, if this is not possible, you can apply on a paper application form.

Applications for the examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2024 will be accepted between February 1st and March 20th, 2024.

The examinations will take place:

  • on the 14th of May for Levels A1 and A2,
  • on the 15th of May for Levels B2 and C1 and
  • on the 16th of May for Levels B1 and C2.

The candidates will be notified of the exact time & location of their examinations by March 31, 2024.

In order to complete their online registration (or paper where applicable), candidates are required to deposit the examination fees.

  • For Levels A1, A2 and B1, fees are 150 AUD each.
  • For Levels B2, C1 and C2, fees are 165 AUD each.

(Rate January 25th, 2024, Reserve Bank of Australia: 1 AUD = 0,6046 Euro).

Bank account details:

  • COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
  • Account Name: Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria
  • BSB: 063 023
  • Account Number: 1004 3624

During the payment process, you must enter as “reference” the initials GLC followed by the full name of the candidate (e.g. if the candidate’s name is John Pappas, the reference must be GLC-John Pappas). Once your payment has been confirmed, the registration will be completed. Please, keep proof of the deposit, until you receive confirmation of your enrolment.

For past papers orders please refer to: http://www.greeklanguage.gr/certification/node/12

For more information regarding the Certificate of Attainment and the appropriate level of candidates please visit: www.greeklanguage.gr/certification

Paul Kontidis continues elite sailing legacy at Adelaide World Championships

The Greek Herald
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Paul Kontidis continues elite sailing legacy at Adelaide World Championships

Sailor Pavlos Kontidis confirmed his presence in the elite of world sailing at the 2024 International Laser Class Association [ILCA] 7 Men’s World Championship in Adelaide, finishing in the top six for the tenth consecutive major event.

According to Elemesos, the 34-year-old Greek champion sailor finished fourth in the medal race and gained one place in the overall standings, moving up to sixth.

Reaching 79 penalty points, Kontidis overtook Frenchman, Jean Baptiste Bernaz (86b.), who ended up ninth in the medal race.

Paul Konditis. Photo Elemesos.
Paul Konditis. Photo: Elemesos.

“I saw a lot of positive things in this race…it’s very encouraging for the rest of the year,” the 34-year-old sailor said about his placing.

“I’m sure that if the Worlds started now, the result would be better, but this stability that has prevailed in recent years [and] makes me very happy. Even though it was not my week, I managed to place in the top positions and do well for Cyprus”.

Kontidis will now participate in the two World Cups in Palma and Hyeres in April, further preparing for his big goal, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games taking place on 26 July 2024 – Sun, 11 Aug.

Source: Elemesos

Ali Zacharias clings to moving car to save dog from thieves

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Ali Zacharias clings to moving car to save dog from thieves

Ali Zacharias clung to a car hood in order to save her beloved French bulldog from thieves, getting the the attention of the Los Angeles Police Department [LAPD].

Zacharias told a Los Angeles television station, KTLA, that she was eating lunch outside an LA Whole Foods with her dog, Onyx, on Jan 18, when a woman she didn’t know grabbed her dog’s leash and walked away.

“I didn’t think that somebody was stealing my dog. I thought it was a misunderstanding, so I said, ‘That’s my dog. Excuse me,’ and she wasn’t listening,” Zacharias said.

Ali Zacharias
Ali Zacharias. Photo: People.

Zacharias followed the lady to a white KIA Forte four-door sedan, where she reportedly shoved her out the doors and locked her out, prompting Zacharias to leap on top of the hood to prevent it from leaving.

According to People, Zacharias eventually off the vehicle and it got away with Onyx. She was later treated by the LA Fire Department for minor abrasions.

The LAPD has identified two suspects, one described as a Black woman around 25-years-old, dressed in a “gray sweatshirt, purple sweatpants, and black sneakers.” The other is described as a Black man of the same age.

Zacharias said she is offering a reward for Onyx’s return, describing him as a “black Merle French bulldog with a spotted coat and different-coloured eyes.”

Source: People

Australians with Greek heritage among top federal political donors for 2022 – 2023

The Greek Herald
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Australians with Greek heritage among top federal political donors for 2022 – 2023

Marcus Catsaras and Robert Keldoulis have ranked in the top 10 of the biggest federal political donors for the 2022-2023 period.

Catsaras came in 4th place, donating a total of $1 million dollars, with Keldoulis coming in 6th, donating $702,113 dollars. Keldoulis Investments Pty Ltd also made 12th position on the list, with a donation of $365,430 dollars.

Australia’s two major political parties – Australian Labor Party and the Liberal/National Coalition – raked in more than $196 million in the year after the federal election, largely thanks to wealthy individuals, unions, and mining, gambling and consultancy firms.

Federal Political Donors 22-23 list.
Federal Political Donors 22-23 list. Photo: The Daily Telegraph.

According to The Daily Telegraph, billionaire Clive Palmer was Australia’s biggest single political donor through his mining company, Mineralogy, donating $7,088,867.

Australia Institute democracy and accountability program director, Bill Browne said the “mass release” of 2022-23 data highlighted the “lack of transparency and integrity in Australian politics.”

“We are learning today whether businesses made political donations 18 months ago,” Browne said.

“These lags and loopholes make it difficult to see how politicians and political parties are being funded – and by whom.”

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Student protests erupt in Athens amid private universities debate

The Greek Herald
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Student protests erupt in Athens amid private universities debate

Police and student protestors clashed in the middle of Athens on Thursday during a rally against the government’s intentions to allow privately managed universities.

According to the Independent, demonstrators in Athens stormed police cordons, lit fire to garbage containers, and hurled stones at riot police near parliament as police made several arrests.

Student protests in Athens turn violent, disrupt exams as debate rages over private universities. Photo Independent.
Student protests in Athens turn violent, disrupt exams as debate rages over private universities. Photo: Independent.

A bill set to be introduced in parliament this month by the government will make higher education more relevant to the job market.

Opponents of the bill believe that it will harm public institutions and, as a result, hinder low-income students’ access to higher education.

Protests were held Thursday in several Greek cities and more are planned for next week.

Source: Independent

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