The Greek government has been targeting NGOs working on asylum and migration for months now. It has promised 'transparency' and 'order' in their operations.
Today, we find out that it awarded a 1.1 m Euro contract to a newly renamed NGO linked to an aide former PM Samaras. 1/7
Today, we find out that it awarded a 1.1 m Euro contract to a newly renamed NGO linked to an aide former PM Samaras. 1/7
The NGO started out as the non-profit of a municipal elections list headed by Alexandros Arvanitakis.
He was an advisor on strategic planning for PM Samaras, then leader of Nea Dimokratia.
This year, the NGO was handed over to two new members and renamed to 'Hopeland'. 2/7
He was an advisor on strategic planning for PM Samaras, then leader of Nea Dimokratia.
This year, the NGO was handed over to two new members and renamed to 'Hopeland'. 2/7
On the day their new statutes were uploaded to the business registry, Hopeland applied to the EU-funded ESTIA II refugee accommodation program.
Their proposal was approved within 20 days. They were awarded 1,137,224.10 Euros to host 1,002 refugees for two and a half months. 3/7
Their proposal was approved within 20 days. They were awarded 1,137,224.10 Euros to host 1,002 refugees for two and a half months. 3/7
The ESTIA program was recently taken over by the government, which slashed funding for the UNHCR's existing accommodation partners, forcing them out of the program as they could no longer afford to offer decent services to refugees.
Now, Hopeland and others are taking over. 4/7
Now, Hopeland and others are taking over. 4/7
So, in brief, the government forced NGOs with a long track record of excellent service delivery out of the ESTIA program, replacing them with organizations with shady political links and no track record whatsoever.
Their promise of transparency was an empty slogan. 5/7
Their promise of transparency was an empty slogan. 5/7
Our authorities have targeted NGOs which hold them accountable. NGOs which defend the rule of law and human rights. NGOs which offer a decent alternative to the nightmare which is Greece's reception system.
A desperate attempt to deflect responsibility for failed policy. 6/7
A desperate attempt to deflect responsibility for failed policy. 6/7
MP and former Mayor of Athens @KaminisG brought the issue to Greece's Parliament, where I'm looking forward to the government's response.
A number of opposition MPs have also exposed the flaws of the ESTIA II program.
As it is EU funded, I expect the Commission to act too. 7/7
A number of opposition MPs have also exposed the flaws of the ESTIA II program.
As it is EU funded, I expect the Commission to act too. 7/7
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