The tipping point that prompted action was the harassment of a colleague of the Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis by Pavlos Polakis, which led to Polakis being expelled from the SYRIZA parliamentary group. SYRIZA’s announcement followed a proposal by party president Stefanos Kasselakis to remove Pavlos Polakis from the SYRIZA-PS Parliamentary Group, a decision that was supported by KO president Sokratis Famellos.

Chronology of Events The incident began during a session of the Social Affairs Committee in Parliament while discussing a bill from the Ministry of Health. SYRIZA MP Pavlos Polakis, without provocation, launched a verbal attack on his colleague Adonis Georgiadis using derogatory terms. In a forceful tone, the MP stated, “Don’t turn your face, madam.” Specifically, the Chania MP addressed the minister’s associate, saying, “Don’t turn your face, madam. I tell you, you have a permanent, not a smile, a twist of the mouth in the form of disrespect. It is irritating. You have a lady minister’s associate who has a permanent contortion of the face of unworthiness. It’s irritating to see.” Mr. Georgiadis’ colleague was defended by others in the room, with Mr. Vartzopoulos pointing out that the woman had a health issue.

However, the reaction of SYRIZA MP Athena Linou, who was shocked by her colleague’s attack, led to an outburst of emotions, as did Mr. Georgiadis’ partner. “I want to personally apologize to the colleague who suffered this form of violence, and I believe we cannot allow such behavior, regardless of who it comes from, towards any woman or any human being,” said Ms. Linou. Watch the video of the incident: Parliament: Polakis Bullies Georgiadis’ Associate Nikos Papathanasis commented that “this behavior is not in line with our standards. Politically, we may have differences, but above all, there must be respect for others.”

MP Spyros Bibilas also intervened, stating, “It is unacceptable for a woman to be insulted in this manner. We do not want this line to be crossed in Parliament. It has happened repeatedly, and that is why I am disappointed. Mrs. Konstantopoulou has been insulted, Ms. Akrita, we, as Freedom of Navigation, disagree. Not every member of parliament can insult someone, especially a woman. It’s undemocratic and indecent.” SYRIZA MPs, informed of the incident shortly before the start of the Parliamentary Group meeting, expressed their displeasure, resenting the fact that they were once again “apologizing,” as they put it, for Pavlos Polakis’ behavior.

The incident was brought to Stefanos Kasselakis, who requested to view the relevant videos. Georgiadis: Will SYRIZA Protect Polakis Again? Meanwhile, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis addressed the incident on social media, calling for disciplinary action against Mr. Polakis. “His targeting of me is somewhat understandable, but bullying a vulnerable working woman to tears at her workplace is unacceptable! I wonder if @syriza_gr will once again cover for him, given his disgraceful behavior in front of everyone.” View Adonis Georgiadis’ post: “A short while ago, during the meeting of the Social Affairs Committee of Parliament, which was adjourned since yesterday, in my absence, @pavpol2222 verbally attacked my legal advisor, Ms. Natassa Petroulia, with incredible violence. Ms. Petroulia was present at work, as her role is to prepare legal amendments that we may or may not approve during the Committee meeting. While she was working, the @syriza_gr deputy attacked her, saying he didn’t like her face, etc. Note that this lady does not have the right to speak in the Committee and did not address Mr. Polakis at all. His assault on a defenseless working woman was so severe that his colleagues Mr. Bibilas from @pl_eleftherias, Ms. Panagiotopoulos, and Ms. Athina Linou from @syriza_gr immediately condemned the incident, as did, of course, the Committee President @gstylios and @DimVartzopoulos.

Ms. Linou shed tears of shame at the end, due to this man’s behavior and how he made this working woman feel at that moment. After all this, I contacted the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Tassoulas, and requested that the Parliament take disciplinary action against Mr. Polakis. His targeting of me is somewhat understandable, but bullying a vulnerable working woman to tears at her workplace is unacceptable! I wonder if @syriza_gr will once again cover for him.”