In an interview with ERTNews, Mr Hatzidakis criticised the incomplete implementation of the law concerning universities, particularly around campus policing and the concept of university asylum. He stressed that rectors who disregard the law should be held accountable.

“There are currently no active occupations on university premises thanks to the existing legal framework and police interventions,” he noted. “But the partial application of the law has left grey areas that we intend to address decisively.”

Commenting on recent incidents at the Law School and the Polytechnic campus, he said the government is taking responsibility and will press ahead with firm action. While avoiding specifics, he indicated that new tools would be deployed to monitor campuses – tools which would, he assured, respect personal rights while ensuring public safety.

“Those who damage public property should be made to pay for it,” he added, before turning his attention back to university administrators.

“Those who fail to do their duty must face consequences. Laws are not just there to be read – they are meant to be enforced. If someone doesn’t agree with a particular law, they don’t have to stay in their post.”

He went on to reveal that the government plans to introduce changes to speed up and tighten the relevant processes, urging the opposition to support these efforts.

Turning to the Tempe train disaster investigation, and responding to recent comments from Mr Dendias calling for full transparency, Hatzidakis said: “That’s something we’ve all pointed out – including the PM. It would be politically foolish of us to try to hide anything in this case. We want the full truth to come out.”

He added that the government’s handling of the Triantopoulos case reflected its approach to accountability.

When asked about the ruling party’s stance on Mr Karamanlis, he responded:

“Let’s all read the case file carefully and then draw our conclusions. We shouldn’t rush to assign blame or determine the level of wrongdoing. Jumping to conclusions in such a serious matter is at the very least reckless.”

On economic matters, and specifically on non-wage costs, Hatzidakis highlighted that the corporate tax rate has dropped from 28% to 22%, and social security contributions have been reduced by 5.4 percentage points – fulfilling a pre-election promise and bringing Greece in line with the European average. As for property tax (ENFIA), he noted that it has been cut even more than the government had initially pledged.

Looking ahead to the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the government’s focus would be on further tax cuts.

“Exactly which taxes will be reduced is something we’ll soon clarify – but they won’t be indirect ones. We’re talking about direct taxes, which directly benefit citizens.”

He concluded by insisting the government has nothing to hide, adding: “We need to determine the real extent of available fiscal space. Discussions with the European Commission are ongoing regarding the extra room created through measures against tax evasion and the introduction of the digital labour card.”

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