Konstantopoulou calls police on ND MPs during ethics hearing; MP bursts into tears as session descends into chaos
The leader of Plefsi Eleftherias dialled 100 from inside the Ethics Committee, accusing ruling-party MPs of attempted blackmail. The five-hour closed-door session ended with a censure vote and a tearful MP.
The hearing
The Ethics Committee met behind closed doors on Thursday evening to examine two reports against Zoe Konstantopoulou for anti-parliamentary behaviour during the OPECEPE investigative committee. The reports were filed by New Democracy MPs Andreas Nikolakopoulos and Maria Syrengela, who chaired that committee. A separate request to lift Konstantopoulou’s immunity, following a defamation lawsuit by businessman Achilleas Ntavelis, was also on the agenda.
Accusations and tears
Konstantopoulou opened by accusing ND MPs of colluding with Syrengela, who has brought a €300,000 lawsuit against her for defamation. She turned on female ND deputies, telling them they “tolerate all this” instead of standing up. When she singled out Ioanna Lytribi, shouting “You have a conflict of interest because you are a friend of Syrengela!”, the MP broke down in tears inside the chamber.
Instead of standing up, the women MPs tolerate all this!
No one is terrorized, Madam President! No one! I speak as I am spoken to!
Police called
As the confrontation escalated, Konstantopoulou dialled 100 and demanded the arrest of ND MPs, claiming they were committing the felony of attempted blackmail in flagrante delicto. “The police authority must intervene for the flagrant felony committed by ND MPs,” she said. Chairman Giorgos Georgantas suspended the session for several minutes to cool tempers.
The police authority must intervene for the flagrant felony committed by ND MPs.
Corridor clashes
The tension spilled into the corridors. Konstantopoulou had a heated exchange with KKE MP Nikos Karathanasopoulos, who told her “Do us a favour. Come on, bravo!” She shot back “Sexists!”. Earlier, ND MP Dimitris Kairidis and Plefsi Eleftherias MP Alexandros Kazamias traded insults after Kazamias accused Kairidis of making a gesture implying he was crazy.
Do us a favour. Come on, bravo! Go on, bravo!
Sexists!
Committee censure
With the votes of the majority, the committee found Konstantopoulou guilty of anti-parliamentary behaviour and referred the matter to Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis. Under the Code of Parliamentary Ethics, he can impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a cut in her monthly allowance. Konstantopoulou called the process “unconstitutional” and “unprecedented”, noting that a previous MP who sent someone to hospital did not face such a procedure.
What’s next
The five-hour session was adjourned without discussing the immunity-lifting request. That debate was rescheduled for Tuesday morning. The committee’s censure now sits with the Speaker, who will decide on any disciplinary measures.
- Committee convenes to examine reports against Konstantopoulou and the immunity-lifting request.
- Konstantopoulou accuses ND MPs of collusion with Syrengela and targets female deputies.
- Ioanna Lytribi breaks down after being accused of a conflict of interest.
- Konstantopoulou dials 100, demanding the arrest of ND MPs for attempted blackmail.
- Verbal confrontation with KKE MP Karathanasopoulos; earlier incident between Kairidis and Kazamias.
- Committee votes to censure Konstantopoulou and refers the matter to the Speaker.
- Session ends after five hours; immunity debate postponed to Tuesday.
