Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used a parliamentary debate on Greece’s fire season and government relief efforts as a platform to address his main political opponents, delivering a pointed three-part message.
In a direct critique of Nikos Pappas, the acting representative of Syriza, Mr. Mitsotakis stated, “I do not recognize a politician convicted 13-0 for dereliction of duty as the representative of the main opposition. I protect the political system with this stance.”
The remark referenced Mr. Pappas' conviction by the Special Court.
Mr. Mitsotakis further questioned who exactly Mr. Pappas represents within Syriza, asking, “Does he represent Famellos, Polakis, Kasselakis, or Farantouris?” He also pledged to walk out of parliamentary sessions when Pappas speaks until Syriza elects a new leader, concluding, “When the opposition party finds a leader, I will return.”
In a more pointed message, Mr. Mitsotakis also targeted former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Referencing Mr. Samaras’ recent interaction with Pappas at a public event, where the two exchanged greetings, Mr. Mitsotakis remarked, “I will neither converse nor engage in pleasantries with him [Pappas].” The comment appeared to allude to tensions regarding the Novartis scandal, where Samaras had been one of the political figures targeted by the previous Syriza government.
Mr. Samaras' associates quickly responded, dismissing the suggestion that the interaction was political and implying that Mitsotakis’ true frustrations lie in Greece’s ongoing diplomatic tensions with Turkey, particularly after Ankara’s recent NAVTEX challenge over Greece's islands.
In response, Mr. Pappas criticized Mr. Mitsotakis for disrespecting parliamentary rules and the constitution, and hinted at divisions within the ruling New Democracy party, escalating the political sparring within the chamber.