She called on SYRIZA to return its seat in the European Parliament Popi Tsapanidou Alexis Georgoulis in an interview with Mega, under the burden of allegations of harassment and abuse and the request of the Belgian authorities to lift the MEP’s immunity. At the same time, Mrs. Tsapanidou argued that the party had received rumors about abusive behavior of Mr. Georgoulis, but their investigation had not verified them. Responding to the accusations from PASOK-KINAL, the representative of SYRIZA claimed that the name of the woman who denounced Alexis Georgoulis was not leaked by Koumoundourou.

The main points of Mrs. Tsapanidou’s interview are as follows:

“Not only is it unpleasant but also shocking what was revealed about Alexis Georgoulis” emphasized the representative of SYRIZA.

“As a woman I am also upset and shocked and we are all in SYRIZA – PS shocked” she noted.

“Just yesterday we learned that Mr. Georgoulis is burdened with such a complaint, and in 15 minutes he moved away from the party and the Eurogroup” emphasized Mrs. Tsapanidou.

“Our reaction was immediate and immediate. Alexis Tsipras immediately gave the order to remove himself from the party and the Eurogroup,” he noted.

As he pointed out, “we are not playing for SYRIZA – PS with the issues of gender-based violence and women’s rights. These issues are deeply rooted in our value system.”

According to the SYRIZA executive, “in June 2022 a rumor had reached us and for three months until September 2022 an investigation was carried out on two levels: First, Mr. Georgoulis was asked to give explanations, and flatly denied then, and spoke of slander. Secondly, we contacted the competent services of the European Parliament, we asked to know if there is a complaint and nothing came out then. We couldn’t find out anything specific. We couldn’t turn someone away for a reputation. There was no complaint to our knowledge at the time. There was then nothing to report either to the European Parliament or to the press. Just yesterday we found out about a complaint that went to the European Parliament and we reacted instantly in 15 minutes”.

“It is a question why Belgian justice moved with slow procedures. Everything now remains to be proven by the Court,” he said.

“In no case was the data leaked of the complainant by us. If possible!” said Popi Tsapanidou.

“Journalists must deal with the issue delicately… Journalists must protect the woman.”

Mr. Georgoulis he must also give explanations to the thousands of citizens who trusted him, write down.

“He must return his seat to the European Parliament. We have already asked him for his headquarters,” he said characteristically.

“Let’s not even think that there is a political expediency. It is a question, however, that arose shortly before the elections.”