The Electoral Staff of Giorgos Kolokasides issued a response to the proposal of Averof Neophytos for a public debate of candidates.
The staff of Mr. Kolokasidis states, among other things, that "in any case and to avoid any misunderstanding, we state again and unequivocally that Mr. Kolokasidis is ready to participate in any public debate between candidates on the sole condition that the principle of parity is observed."
This announcement:
"Regarding your proposal to organize a public debate of the candidates for the Presidency of the Republic next Tuesday, at the Press Center, at 17:00, let us inform you that:
Mr. Kolokasides' constant position was and remains that "citizens have every democratic right to hear the candidates for the Presidency of the Republic to present and defend their positions before others" (June 6, 2022). Despite the fact that all the Staffs agreed in principle to conduct discussions on the basis of parity, however in practice it turned out to be the opposite, through no fault of our own.
In any case and to avoid any misunderstanding, we state again and unequivocally that Mr. Kolokasidis is ready to participate in any public debate between candidates with the sole condition that the principle of equality is respected. In this context, our response to Mr. Neophytos' proposal is positive.
What is important is the willingness of each of the candidates, including the proposer, to participate in the public debate. Any candidate who refuses to participate citing any pretexts, then for the purposes of ethics and parity we ask that his position remain vacant.
We are at your disposal for anything you wish."