Tsoukalas: «We condemn the sexist attack that existed in the post republished by Mr. Lazaridis against Mrs. Bakoyannis»

From Athens, Ta Nea reports on PASOK-KINALALOS spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas' strong condemnation of what he termed a "sexist and ageist attack" against Dora Bakoyannis. The incident stemmed from a social media post by a resigned Deputy Minister, which Tsoukalas argued was indicative of a broader political toxicity and a reflection of the current government's approach.

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We cannot but condemn the sexist attack with additional elements of ageist racism against Ms. Bakoyannis that existed in the reposting made by the resigned Deputy Minister of Rural Development. There is intense political pollution.

Tsoukalas did not shy away from criticizing the government's handling of the resignation, suggesting that the Deputy Minister's departure was not a voluntary act but rather a consequence of mounting pressure from the opposition, his own missteps, and internal New Democracy party divisions, particularly highlighted by Bakoyannis's recent statements. He asserted that the issue transcended a mere administrative matter, framing it as a significant political failing linked directly to Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

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Mr. Lazaridis is the real face of Mr. Mitsotakis, he is his close friend and his timeless choice. Besides, the Prime Minister did not dismiss Mr. Lazaridis. Mr. Lazaridis resigned due to the pressure of the opposition, his own mistakes and provocations...

Furthermore, Tsoukalas addressed contentious remarks made by another official, Georgiadis, concerning the judiciary and alleged "gangs." He denounced such rhetoric as an attack on the rule of law and an attempt to intimidate the justice system. Tsoukalas emphasized that while criticism of judicial decisions is permissible, threats against the justice system are unacceptable. He called for transparency, including the lifting of parliamentary immunity where necessary, to allow the justice system to function independently, contrasting this approach with what he described as the government's polarizing and extreme rhetoric.

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We are attacking the rule of law and intimidating justice.