Prime Minister says parliament should be safeguarding, not turned into a "boxing ring"

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was shocked at a violent altercation between lawmakers this week, urging elected officials to safeguard the nation’s legislature.

“It is shocking,” he told the Athens-based Skai television network. “But the temple of democracy should not be turned into a boxing arena.”

The

violent clash has raised serious questions about the behaviour of Greece’s elected officials with Mr. Mitsotakis striking at the far-right, saying the brawl was “extremely revealing” of its aggressive stance altogether.

Asked about the upcoming European elections, the Greek leader pledged his centre-right New Democracy party would focus on stability, certainty, and continuity.

On foreign affairs, Mr. Mitsotakis said he would not heed Ukraine’s request for S-300 or Patriot missiles. He also reaffirmed plans by the government to declare maritime parks in the Aegean, despite opposition raised by Turkey.

“Disagreement,” he said, “should not hinder communication between the two countries.”

The Greek leader is due to meet with Turkish president Recep Tayip Erdogan next month.

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