The behavior of SYRIZA MP Andreas Panagiotopoulos, who joined a parliamentary committee meeting via video call while driving his car, sparked the outrage of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.

The incident occurred during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs, where the leadership of the Ministry of Health was briefing members on upcoming reforms.

Representing SYRIZA, Health Sector Head and Achaia MP Andreas Panagiotopoulos was scheduled to speak and chose to do so via Webex. Indeed, Mr. Panagiotopoulos connected to the system and appeared on the screen in the parliamentary hall. However, the video showed that he was simultaneously driving his car.

When his dangerous behavior became apparent, the committee’s president, Nefeli Chatziioannidou, interrupted him to ask, “Excuse me! Are you driving?” Mr. Panagiotopoulos admitted to it. Immediately, Mr. Georgiadis intervened, calling on the MP to hang up and reconnect after parking his car safely.

Watch the video

The minister also stated, “We’ve witnessed an unprecedented violation of traffic laws (KOK), and this behavior must be condemned by SYRIZA and all political parties. At a time when we’re all campaigning for safety measures, urging people to wear helmets and seatbelts, a Member of Parliament is seen blatantly violating the traffic code. It’s a disgrace.”

A few minutes later, Mr. Panagiotopoulos reconnected, initially attempting to justify himself by saying he made the call because he was close to his home. “I was just outside my house, which is why I answered the call. Anyway, I apologize,” he said.

See Adonis Georgiadis’ post below

Απαράδεκτη πράξη την οποία εντόπισα ακούγοντας τον και ζήτησα από την Προεδρεύουσα να του αφαιρέσει τον λόγο, έως ότου σταματήσει να οδηγεί. Η τόσο εξόφθαλμη παραβίαση του ΚΟΚ από βουλευτή, ενώ συνεδριάζει η αρμόδια Επιτροπή για την Υγεία της Βουλής, δείχνει το μέτρο της… https://t.co/NeAM8cBpH8

— Άδωνις Γεωργιάδης (@AdonisGeorgiadi) December 18, 2024