Government spokeswoman Sofia Voultepsi described the verbal attack by former Deputy Education minister Giorgos Stylios against Greek Communist Party (KKE) deputy Liana Kanelli as an unfortunate moment.

“No one believes that Mr Stylios actually meant what he said. No one thinks this is a man who believes in Nazism,” she told ANT1 TV on Friday in reference to Mr. Stylios’ comments made to Ms. Kanelli that had referred to the live TV assault by detained Golden Dawn deputy Ilias Kassidiaris who had attacked Ms. Kanelli by slapping her.

He had said: “You want to turn me into Kassidiaris. However, Stylios would not be turned into Kassidiaris.”

Ms. Voultepsi said the Prime Minister reaction was instantaneous, she said: “His reaction was prompt and he asked for Stylios’ resignation.”