Maria Karystianou expressed her strong reaction to the possibility of Kostas Tasoulas being nominated for the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, accusing him of obstructing efforts to uncover the truth behind the Tempe disaster.

“Mr. Tasoulas was the one who as President of the Parliament held onto the EU Prosecutor’s case file regarding the contract 717 and the Tempe case in his office and failed to hand it over promptly, as he was obligated to do, to the members of the Select Committee,” Karystianou specifically claimed. She added, “As President of the Parliament, he retains the lawsuits implicating the Ministry of Transport and two case files against government officials, failing to forward them to the Parliament as mandated by the Constitution and his position. He dismisses formal complaints from the relatives of the Tempe victims and contributes to the cover-up orchestrated by the Parliamentary inquiry committee.”

“How are we, the parents and relatives of the young lost lives, and society as a whole, expected to react to such a proposal if it comes to pass? How much more must happen for us to realize that those who facilitate the cover-up of the Tempe case are ‘handsomely’ rewarded?” she questioned.

Full statement by Maria Karystianou:

“As an active citizen, I read the reports about potential candidates for the Presidency of the Republic.

The highest institutional position, reserved for individuals who command respect and dignity. For people of high moral standing, a sense of justice, for someone who has significantly contributed to their country.

While I was not particularly surprised by most of the names mentioned, I was left speechless upon hearing Mr. Tasoulas’ name as a candidate.

I can’t help but wonder:

On what grounds is Mr. Tasoulas being considered for this position?

From what we know, in a true rule-of-law state, his record would demand his exclusion, not his consideration. Why?

Because Mr. Tasoulas was the one who, as President of the Parliament, held onto the EU Prosecutor’s case file regarding the contract 717 and the Tempe case in his office and failed to hand it over promptly, as he was obligated to do, to the members of the Select Committee.

Because Mr. Tasoulas is the one who, as President of the Parliament, retains the lawsuits implicating the Ministry of Transport and two case files against government officials, failing to forward them to the Parliament as mandated by the Constitution and his position.

Because Mr. Tasoulas is the one who, as President of the Parliament, dismisses formal complaints from the relatives of the Tempe victims and contributes to the cover-up orchestrated by the Parliamentary inquiry committee.

And despite all of this, his candidacy for the country’s highest office is under consideration.

How are we, the parents and relatives of the young lost lives, and society as a whole, expected to react to such a proposal if it comes to pass?

How much more must happen for us to realize that those who facilitate the cover-up of the Tempe case are ‘handsomely’ rewarded?”

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