The majority of the Greek people are not xenophobic and see the issue of migration as a result of need, not a problem, Migration Policy Minister Dimitris Vitsas told Alpha 989 radio on Friday.
In an interview on upcoming European Parliament elections, Vitsas responded to a comment that migration was low on the campaign election agenda by saying “it’s not an issue somebody can outright claim he succeeded (in resolving it), because we must always remain vigilant – that’s what we’re doing.”
In addition, he said, “I want to stress the following: The majority of the Greek people are not xenophobic and do not have racist ideas. Therefore, they understand the migration issue very well, and show support and do not look at it as a problem, they see it as a reality for people who find themselves in need.”
Vitsas said that over 1.5 million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe in 2015. In 2018 they reached a total of 100,000 but “unfortunately the issue is being used by xenophobic and neo-Nazis in Europe” instead of addressing its cause, social inequality. He also added that there was a drop in migrant flows to Greece from April 2018 to April 2019.
Asked if he believes the flows will rise in the summer, Vitsas said they usually do according to data, and he has already notified the European Union and the European Commissioner of the measures that need to be implemented. He also said that the EU should put on notice or punish members who refuse to take in their share of migrants. – via amna.gr
