Free from the pressures of power, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared relaxed during her two-day visit to Athens, where she was promoting her memoir, ‘Freedom,’ at an event hosted by Kathimerini. Yesterday morning, she visited the Acropolis, had breakfast with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at his home in Kolonaki, and later attended a brunch at the German ambassador’s residence with a select group of guests including former President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Economy Minister Kyriakos Piarakkis, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, and several notable figures.
Merkel showed particular interest in Greece’s digital transformation and praised Germany’s potential for improvement. Discussions also touched on European leadership, the memoranda era, and Greece’s economic progress since 2019, which she acknowledged.
Meanwhile, in parliamentary developments, PASOK announced it will submit a motion for a preliminary investigation against former Ministers Makis Voridis and Stelios Avgenas for alleged criminal breach of trust. The move comes amid legal concerns about possible statute of limitations expiration if not acted upon before the end of July.
In other news, Prime Minister Mitsotakis is visiting Mount Athos today, fulfilling a wish he expressed earlier this year when meeting representatives of the Athonite community. He will attend meetings with abbots and dine with religious leaders at four monasteries during his stay.
Political tensions continue within New Democracy over how to respond to the motion, with some advocating for transparency while others warn against fueling a witch hunt.