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Greek politicians clash over Madonna's birthday celebration conditions
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Culture & Society

Greek politicians clash over Madonna's birthday celebration conditions

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Two Greek politicians clashed over the conditions for Madonna's birthday celebration on the island of Corfu.
  • A leftist lawmaker criticized the alleged special treatment for the pop star, while a conservative minister defended it as beneficial for tourism.
  • Madonna shared enthusiastic posts about her Greek vacation on social media.

A public spat erupted between two Greek politicians over the alleged preferential treatment afforded to pop superstar Madonna during her birthday celebration on the island of Corfu.

The controversy began when Elena Akrita, a leftist member of parliament, took to Facebook to criticize what she described as special conditions created for the singer's festivities. According to media reports, residents of the village of Kouramades on Corfu were reportedly asked to close their windows to shield Madonna's privacy from "prying eyes." Akrita questioned whether people had complied with such a request, stating, "This country is not a plantation in the South where we bend our backs to pick cotton so as not to spoil Madam's birthday."

This country is not a plantation in the South where we bend our backs to pick cotton so as not to spoil Madam's birthday.

โ€” Elena AkritaThe leftist lawmaker's criticism of alleged special treatment for Madonna.

Conservative Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis quickly responded to Akrita's post. He referred to Akrita, whom he called "fantastically rich," as someone who fails to grasp the significant value of Madonna's visit for promoting Greece. Georgiadis argued that the superstar's presence, posts, and comments are worth millions of euros and are crucial for many in the tourism sector. "Instead of rejoicing, as any sane person would, (Akrita) has once again found a reason to grumble, whine, and hurl accusations," he added.

Meanwhile, Madonna herself actively shared her positive experiences from her vacation in Greece on social media, seemingly unfazed by the political debate.

Instead of rejoicing, as any sane person would, (E. Akrita) has once again found a reason to grumble, whine, and hurl accusations.

โ€” Adonis GeorgiadisThe conservative minister's response to the criticism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.