The filing of a criminal complaint and a lawsuit against former New Democracy minister and now independent MP Marios Salmas, over his claims about “illegal dealings within hospitals” and a case file concerning the health sector by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, was announced by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.

“I regret what he said, and that is why I have instructed that a criminal complaint and a lawsuit be filed against him within the week, so he can prove his claims in court. Having gone through the Novartis conspiracy, when it comes to matters of ethics and personal attacks, I tolerate no slander. I have been investigated by Touloupaki, by the tax authorities—I have nothing to prove to Mr. Salmas. Since he made claims that offend my moral integrity, and because I do not wish for a public confrontation out of respect for the fact that he was an MP for New Democracy, I prefer this to be resolved in the courts,” the Health Minister said on ERT on Monday morning.

Georgiadis files criminal complaint and lawsuit against Salmas: “I tolerate no slander when it comes to my reputation”

It is noted that Marios Salmas, speaking to Crete TV, referred to “illegal dealings” within hospitals, mentioning non-transparent hiring practices as well as assignments involving medical and pharmaceutical equipment. At the same time, he argued that investigations by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office are not limited to the OPEKEPE case, warning that “they will also come for the health sector.”

“Not even 5% of corruption cases have come to light,” he said χαρακτηριστικά, implying that further revelations are imminent, while also making pointed remarks toward Adonis Georgiadis, claiming that “he cannot respond,” as—according to him—he knows from the inside how the system operates.