From Aristophanes to TikTok: ‘name and shame’ satire and the limits of free expression in post-memorandum Greece

Abstract This article examines the role and reception of ‘name and shame’ satire in contemporary Greek political discourse, focusing on the case of satirical lyrics by singer-songwriter Panos Vlahos. His performance in February 2024 triggered intense public debate, raising broader questions about artists’ rights to engage in political satire. The case is situated within the context of Greece’s declining press freedom rankings since 2010, ongoing concerns over media independence, and the increasing use of legal mechanisms – such as defamation lawsuits and SLAPP tactics – against journalists and artists critical of government policies. Drawing on discourse analysis, the article explores whether such incidents reflect isolated tensions within a functioning democracy or point to broader patterns of censorship and constraint on freedom of expression in post-memorandum Greece. Additionally, it highlights the social trend towards reframing satire as criminally suspect.