Παρ, 22 Φεβρουαρίου 2008 - 04:23
The recent clash between Environment and Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias (photo left) and European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas (right), as well as the way the minister handled their differences, is a reflection of the mentality of Souflias himself as well his ministry’s general attitude toward environmental issues.
“Every time Mr Dimas visits Greece, he does whatever he can to draw attention to himself and boost his own image by criticizing the work of the ministry and the government,” was Souflias’s surprising statement on January 22. This was seen not only as a criticism of Dimas himself but of his official role. Souflias’s words were reported in Northern Europe, where his name is largely unknown, unlike Dimas, who is generally regarded favorably.