Greek PM Reaffirms Sinai Monastery Support, Urges Responsibility in Sports, Universities

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the historic status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, amid an ongoing legal dispute in Egypt that threatens its long-standing autonomy.

In a broader address, Mr. Mitsotakis also called for greater responsibility from sports club owners and unveiled new measures

In his weekly update, Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated Athens’ position that the monastery’s centuries-old operating framework must be respected.

He cited recent assurances from the Egyptian government, including President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, that the monastery’s current legal status will be upheld.

"Our stance is clear and fully aligned with the position of the monastery — to honor its tradition and maintain its established legal standing," Mr. Mitsotakis said, adding that the two countries had agreed to work toward formal recognition of the monastery’s rights and legal personality.

The monastery case comes as Greece and Egypt strengthen their strategic ties, particularly in security and regional cooperation.

Turning to recent tensions in Greek basketball, Mr. Mitsotakis addressed the ongoing feud between the owners of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos basketball clubs, calling on team leaders to set an example.

"The state has already implemented a strict framework to tackle violence in sports venues — cameras, digital fan IDs, and penalties for misconduct," the prime minister said.

"We expect club owners and managers to lead responsibly, inside and outside the arenas."

His comments followed a heated second final in the Greek basketball championship, which reignited debate on sportsmanship and fan behavior.

On higher education, Mr. Mitsotakis unveiled a series of 11 new government initiatives to combat campus violence and lawlessness.

These include suspending students facing criminal charges for up to two years, central oversight by a Supreme Court prosecutor, and potential dismissal of university rectors who fail to enforce the law.

"Our universities must not become zones of impunity," Mr. Mitsotakis said, noting that since 2019, police have cleared 48 building occupations and arrested at least 500 individuals for criminal offenses within academic institutions.

Mr. Mitsotakis also announced the launch of a 100 million euro nationwide school renovation plan, funded by the Hellenic Bank Association.

Under the program, 426 schools across 245 municipalities are set to receive upgrades, with priority given to special education institutions, border areas, and regions hit by natural disasters.

The program, dubbed “Marietta Giannakou,” aims to modernize public school infrastructure.

An additional 50 million euros from national funds will be allocated annually to expand its reach.

In housing policy, Mr. Mitsotakis promoted the online platform stegasi.gov.gr, which consolidates 43 different housing assistance programs worth 6.5 billion euros.

The site allows users to calculate potential savings and submit applications based on their eligibility profile.

Lastly, the prime minister addressed public sector reform, emphasizing that evaluation is not punishment but a tool for better services.

Citizens are now invited to assess public agencies via the new platform axiologisi.ypes.gov.gr, in what Mr. Mitsotakis called a shift toward greater transparency and accountability.

"Evaluation is not retribution — it is improvement," he said. "And this change must be embraced not only by the state, but by every citizen."

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