By Yannis Anifantis

Another paradox for this year in the Greek Parliament, happened in the early afternoon at the meeting of the Social Affairs Committee of the Parliament, as the SYRIZA Member of Parliament, Andreas Panagiotopoulos, was appointed via video conference to the Committee while he was driving his car.

The president of the Nefeli Social Affairs Committee – Maria Chatziioannidou gave the floor to Mr. Panagiotopoulos, however, when he started to speak, he appeared to be inside the car which was moving.

Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistokleous remarked that the way he was wearing his seat belt showed that he was in the driver’s seat. Tension immediately arose in the Parliament chamber.

“You are driving Mr. Panagiotopoulos at the moment“, the presiding officer asked the MP and he answered in the affirmative. “It is not possible for security reasons, please. Stand aside and you will be given the reason“, replied Ms. Hatziioannidou with Mr. Let Georgiadis take the floor. “The member of parliament is speaking in the Hellenic Parliament, while driving. Please, some boundaries at last. I see so long, I see your driver’s seat belt“, emphasized the minister, adding that he does not accept to listen to him and left the room.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos reconnected shortly after, apologizing and attempting to justify himself, adding: “I was out of the house so I picked up the phone. Anyway, I apologize».

“This is an unimaginable violation of the Road Traffic Code by a member of the Greek Parliament and indeed a doctor, which must be immediately condemned by SYRIZA and all parties. We must set a good example in society, and especially in view of the holidays, that we respect our own lives as well as the lives of our fellow citizens, which a driver who does not pay attention to the car while driving, puts at risk. I immediately stated that I was leaving the room and that I would not listen to him unless he stopped drivingsaid Mr. Georgiadis in the peristyle of the Parliament, commenting on the unprecedented incident.

“Adherence to the code is extremely important so that our lives and the lives of our fellow citizens are not in danger. The incident demonstrates that especially those of us who are in government or parliamentarians should also set a good example“, added Deputy Minister Marios Themistokleous.

In his new statements, Mr. Panagiotopoulos stated that “There are no excuses. I made a mistake in order to be consistent with my parliamentary duties. I apologize. I am ready to accept any sanction corresponding to the Road Traffic Code”