“Shadows are not allowed in our republic,” the Prime Minister emphasized. Kyriakos Mitsotakisin his statement in the case monitoringmentioned a number of institutional changes to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) that the government would propose, most notably increased parliamentary accountability and oversight, and agreed to the establishment of an investigative committee that would operate in an environment where the nature of the subject it would be investigating imposed like he said.

Mr Mitsotakis also stated that “although it was legal to connect to his mobile phone Nikos Androulakis” was politically unacceptable and that he himself did not know about it, pointing out that he would never have allowed it if he had known.

The Prime Minister also noted that the process, with the approval of the Supreme Prosecutor, as stipulated by the decree adopted in 2018 by the previous government, lasted three months and was automatically suspended, as required by law, a few days after Mr. Androulakis was elected president of KINAL.

“Although everything was done legally, the National Intelligence Service underestimated the political underpinnings of this action. Formally, this was adequate, but politically unacceptable. This should not have happened, which led to the undermining of citizens’ confidence in the National Security Service,” Mr. Mitsotakis said, highlighting the work of the National Security Agency to strengthen national security.

As Mr. Mitsotakis said, the case was unfinished, so the commander of the EMP was immediately removed from his post, as well as the secretary general of the prime minister’s office, who assumed objective political responsibility.

Finally, the Prime Minister said that he was open to any creative idea that would incorporate international best practices and strengthen the accountability mechanisms of an agency so important to the country’s security, and stressed that he would discuss proposals that would increase transparency in the activities of the intelligence service, but not allow them to be sent. “Starting, of course, with the strictest restrictions in terms of legal ties. This must be done and will be done immediately with the passage of the Legislative Content Act.”

The prime minister said:

“Shadows are not allowed in our republic. That is why I want to talk openly with you about the latest developments.

A few days ago, I was informed that in September 2021, when he was still an MEP, the National Intelligence Service established a legal link to Nikos Androulakis’ mobile phone.

The procedure was approved by the supreme prosecutor, as stipulated by the regulation adopted in 2018 by the previous government. It lasted three months and was automatically suspended, as required by law, a few days after Mr. Androulakis was elected president of KINAL.

Although everything was done legally, the National Intelligence Service underestimated the political underpinnings of this action. Formally, this was adequate, but politically unacceptable. This should not have happened, which would have caused a crack in the public’s trust in the National Security Service.

Because, although it was about a prominent political figure, its interpretation was incomplete. It is for this reason that the commander of the EMP was immediately removed. In doing so, the Secretary General of the Prime Minister’s Office assumed objective political responsibility.

And since the word responsibility comes from the adjective directly, I repeat directly: what was done, perhaps, corresponded to the letter of the law, but it was wrong. I didn’t know about it and obviously I never would have let it happen!

The case, however, revealed the absence of additional “filters” in the work of the special services. Because the surveillance of a political person, of course, implies guarantees that cannot be assessed even by an experienced and competent judicial executor.

On the other hand, however, I also want to be clear: the National Intelligence Service proposal is important. This is clearly expressed in the willingness of Greece to face challenges such as those that arose on Evros or in the Aegean. In our permanent diplomatic and protective armor. But also in the daily struggle of society against terrorism and crime.

Thus, the backlog cannot overshadow a project that brings measurable national benefit. And you don’t have to be an expert to understand how valuable reliable information is in the complex world we live in.

This service is responsible for national security and the defense of the homeland against geopolitical movements, as well as against asymmetric and hybrid threats. That is why in most European democracies such structures are subordinate to the head of government or state, since the scope of their object goes beyond the scope of one ministry.

But as valuable as the contribution of the National Intelligence Service to strengthening the position of Greece, it becomes clear that not only an increase in its operational effectiveness is required, but also an overall reassessment of its system of control and oversight.

The new commander is one of the most experienced Greek diplomats and has all the guarantees to carry out this mission.

At the same time, the government immediately agreed to the creation of a commission of inquiry, which, obviously, would operate under conditions determined by the nature of the subject under investigation.

Because such a responsible process cannot, should not, turn into a spy series for parties. And, moreover, not be the cause of the degradation of the national contribution of EYP and the undermining of aspects of national security.

Truth must be shown in its true dimensions. Only in this way can we cope with the age-old pathologies of intelligence.

I will personally be open to any creative ideas that incorporate best practices from abroad and strengthen the accountability mechanisms of such an important agency for national security.

So I will be happy to discuss proposals that will increase the transparency of the work of our special services, without interfering, of course, with their mission. Starting, of course, with the most stringent restrictions in terms of legal ties. This must be done and will be done immediately by the Law on Legislative Content.

So, today I present 4 areas of change that the government will propose:

1st. Strengthen EYP accountability and parliamentary oversight through the Committee on Institutions and Transparency.

2nd Increase the role of the National Security Council for better use of information and the Department of Defense.

3rd. Protection of legitimate connections for politicians.

4th Changes in EYP to strengthen internal control, transparency, extroversion and training of their human resources.

I will be honest with you. There are many enemies of the country lurking around who would like the weakness of the National Intelligence Service. And if some dark forces outside of Greece come up with a plan to destabilize the country, let them know that Greece is strong and institutionally protected.

We live in a dangerous world. But we are a democratic state. And we have a sacred duty to balance the security of the country and its citizens with the protection of fundamental principles that protect privacy and the confidentiality of communications.

After all, for three years now we have been proving that we learn from our failures in order to become better. Personally, I never hid in front of difficulties or responsibilities. In the often lonely but constant battle of self-criticism and the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Losing, perhaps, at the moment some battles with chronic pathogens. But winning the big stakes war. And above all, never losing sight of the goal of a strong, democratic, European and nationally independent Greece.

I will continue on this path so that together we can build stronger and more durable democratic institutions.”