ATHENS — "The virus strikes all of society collectively and society has to collectively defend itself. The measures are not a restriction of our freedom, but are intended to protect others. That is the crucial point. We are moving away from the issue of individual responsibility and moving on to social responsibility. It is very crucial that this is understood," President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou said on Thursday, during her meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Presidential Mansion.

Sakellaropoulou added that young people have a different way of life, and may feel less vulnerable but "what has not been made properly understood, and I hope it will be, is the high transmissibility of the virus."

Referring to her presence in Kastellorizo at the beginning of the school year, she said she had been impressed by the children's discipline in following safety measures and wearing a mask: "children have a lot to teach us about how to deal with some issues that have to do with discipline and social behaviour."

Οn Greek-Turkish issues, she described Turkey as a "troublemaker" and said that Greece has proved it respects the rules of good neighbourliness, but unfortunately a neighbouring country has adopted the role of a troublemaker.

According to Sakellaropoulou, Europe has also become aware of the problem, and also that the principle of solidarity must at some point prevail.