Greek government blocks public dialogue between Varoufakis and prominent Chinese journalist

In a statement, MERA25, DiEM25’s Greek political party said:

“Back in March, China’s Xinhua News Agency invited Yanis Varoufakis and respected journalist Hu Shuli to take part in a ‘High-Level Dialogue on Euro-Chinese Cooperation’ as part of a forum planned for 12 May at the Zappeion Hall, under the patronage of the Chinese Embassy. The invitation was publicly shared with both Greek and international media.

However, just days before the event, Xinhua sent a letter to MERA25’s Secretary expressing shock and dismay, revealing that ‘certain officials in the current Greek government’ had voiced their objection to Varoufakis’s participation. As a result of this unprecedented political interference, the organisers felt forced to cancel the event. They apologised to Mr Varoufakis and pledged to reschedule the discussion at a future date, outside of Greece.

For MERA25, this type of exclusion is regarded as a badge of honour – a clear reflection of the ongoing hostility the Mitsotakis government shows towards our party and its Secretary. Yet this incident speaks to a deeper concern about the state of democracy in Greece.

By resorting to underhanded pressure and strong-arm tactics that one would more readily associate with authoritarian regimes, the Mitsotakis government has once again embarrassed Greece on the international stage – this time in front of foreign diplomats and journalists.

We call on journalists and opposition parties to speak out against these practices.”

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