Greece's newly appointed migration minister, Dimitris Kairidis, has firmly rejected the possibility of the European Union's border agency, Frontex, withdrawing its forces from the country. Following a tragic migrant boat sinking off Greece's coast in June, tensions have escalated between Greece and Frontex, with the agency raising concerns about Greece's handling of the disaster and subsequent reports of migrant pushbacks. Kairidis deemed a Frontex withdrawal "unthinkable," emphasizing the crucial role the agency plays in safeguarding EU borders. He confirmed ongoing discussions with Frontex officials in both Athens and Warsaw to address the situation. The minister's strong stance comes just after the re-election of Greece's conservative government, with Kairidis taking on the migration portfolio amidst increasing international scrutiny of the country's migration policies.
Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Dimitris Kairidis firmly countered Frontex's criticisms of Greece's response to the migrant deaths, labeling any potential withdrawal by the agency as an illogical step. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
