Specifically, the MP from Chania addressed Georgiadis’ associate by saying: “Don’t turn your face, madam. I tell you, you have a permanent scowl, not a smile, but a twist of the mouth that signifies disrespect. It’s irritating. You have a permanent expression of disdain that is unpleasant to see.”
Polakis’ Behavior Condemned
Georgiadis’ colleague was defended by others present. MP Vartzopoulos shouted at Polakis, pointing out that the woman had a health issue, but the reaction of SYRIZA MP Athena Linou, who was visibly shaken by the attack, drew significant attention. Linou tearfully apologized, saying: “I want to personally apologize to the colleague who suffered this form of violence. We cannot tolerate such behavior, regardless of who it comes from, toward any woman or human being.”
Nikos Papathanasis criticized the behavior, stating: “This conduct is unacceptable and does not align with our values. While we may have political differences, respect for others must come first.”
Spyros Bibilas from the Freedom of Navigation party also condemned the behavior, stating: “It is unacceptable to insult a woman in this way. This kind of behavior should not be tolerated in Parliament. We have seen similar incidents before, which is disappointing. Such behavior is undemocratic and indecent.”
SYRIZA MPs, informed about the incident shortly before their Parliamentary Group meeting, expressed their frustration, feeling once again that they were forced to “apologize” for Pavlos Polakis’ behavior. The incident was brought to the attention of Stefanos Kasselakis, who requested to view the videos of the event.
Georgiadis Calls for Disciplinary Action
Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis addressed the incident on social media, calling for disciplinary action against Polakis. He stated: “While I can understand his attacks on me, bullying a defenseless working woman until she cries at work is unacceptable! I wonder if @syriza_gr will cover for him again after such disgraceful behavior in front of everyone.”
In his post, Georgiadis described the incident: “Earlier today, during the Social Affairs Committee meeting—which had been postponed due to my absence—@pavpol2222 verbally assaulted my legal advisor, Ms. Natassa Petroulia, with extreme aggression. Ms. Petroulia was simply performing her job of preparing legal improvements for discussion. Polakis attacked her solely based on his dislike for her appearance. She did not interact with Polakis at all.
The attack on this defenseless working woman was so severe that colleagues including Mr. Bibilas from @pl_eleftherias, Ms. Panagiotopoulos, and Ms. Athena Linou from @syriza_gr immediately condemned it, as did the Committee President @gstylios and @DimVartzopoulos. Ms. Linou even wept in shame over the incident. Following this, I contacted the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Tassoulas, and requested that disciplinary measures be taken against Polakis. Messing with me is one thing, but bullying a defenseless working woman to the point of tears is unacceptable! I wonder if @syriza_gr will shield him again despite his disgraceful behavior.”
SYRIZA MPs were informed of the incident shortly before its start.
