Flames engulf tourist boat off the coast of Greece — see the scary video
A boat carrying tourists off the coast of Greece was engulfed in flames, forcing all passengers and crew to evacuate. Flames can be seen overtaking the vessel —thankfully, everyone was able to safely return to land. The incident happened on June 29.
- Greece's Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, defended his government's commitment to the rule of law on Tuesday.
- Mitsotakis hosted Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, as part of her tour of European Union capitals.
- Mitsotakis accused domestic opponents of tarnishing Greece's reputation by attacking his government.
Greece’s prime minister insisted Tuesday that the rule of law in the country was "stronger than ever," despite mounting criticism from press freedom and human rights groups.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis blamed political opponents for the criticism of his center-right government and argued that the "country was at the center of a slander (campaign)."
He hosted Roberta Metsola, the European Parliament president, who is touring European Union capitals ahead of elections to the EU's legislative branch in June.
ON THE EVE OF ATHENS TRACTOR PROTEST, GREEK PRIME MINISTER RULES OUT MORE CONCESSIONS TO FARMERS
Earlier this month, 17 human rights and press freedom organizations including Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists, wrote to the European Commission to voice concerns about Greece. Their letter cited multiple accounts and allegations that the government has targeted or failed to protect journalists, activists and human rights campaigners from attacks using spyware, coercive law suits, and obstructive regulations.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, left, makes a statement with Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after their meeting at Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece, on Feb. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Similar complaints were made in a resolution approved by the European Parliament on Feb. 7.
Mitsotakis maintained that domestic opponents of his government were tarnishing Greece's reputation in order to attack him.
"It seems a little odd that certain forces in our country, which once used the most anti-European, populist slogans, suddenly present themselves as the defenders of justice and democratic values and justice," he said, in an apparent reference to Greece's left-wing opposition.
GREECE'S PRIME MINISTER PLEDGES TO KEEP UP MILITARY SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES
He cited Greece’s recent adoption of same-sex marriage legislation and plans to introduce a postal vote as evidence of the country’s improving record.
Rule of law issues are receiving additional attention in EU member states ahead of the June elections, as established political parties fight off challenges from populist rivals across the bloc.
Metsola said her tour was designed to boost public confidence in EU institutions as well as voter participation – noting that rule-of-law issues formed a foundation of public trust.
"We want to discuss these issues honestly, and we need to be careful not to politicize or weaponize important discussions on the rule of law," she said.
Metsola later spoke at the Greek parliament and was due to hold a town hall meeting with young people to discuss the June elections.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.