Kondstandopoulou: Called ND members 'layabouts', refuses to withdraw
Zoi Kondstandopoulou, former president of the Greek Parliament, faced backlash as she labeled ruling ND MPs as 'layabouts' during a heated session in the House of Representatives.
Tensions arose early in a parliamentary session regarding an inquiry into Giannis Panagopoulos, president of the GSEE, related to money laundering allegations. Opposition parties demanded clarifications from the government, aiming to address accountability issues and the handling of labor rights under proposed legislation. Amidst this discourse, the Minister of Labor, Niki Kerameos, countered the opposition's approach, claiming their actions detracted from critical discussions on enhancing collective agreements and protecting workersβ rights.
The atmosphere became particularly charged when former parliamentary president Zoi Kondstandopoulou directed a scathing comment towards ND MP Makarios Lazaridis, referring to ruling party members as 'layabouts'. Despite warnings from Deputy Speaker Yiannis Plakiotakis to retract the statement, Kondstandopoulou persisted in her remarks, asserting that she would not withdraw her characterization. She accused the government of resorting to verbal attacks and bullying tactics, further escalating the confrontational mood within the chamber.
This incident underscores the heightened political discourse in Greece, reflecting the deep polarization in the political landscape, particularly around labor rights and accountability issues. As debates on key legislative measures continue, the exchange hints at the challenges the government may face in rallying support amid rising tensions with opposition factions, which could influence not only future legislative efforts but also public sentiment towards the ruling party and its parliamentary allies.