Controversial remarks by ELAS (Greek Left Alliance) member Haris Athanasiades sparked a heated exchange during a live television debate on OPEN, after he described voters of the ruling New Democracy party as “spiteful.” New Democracy MP Maria Syreggela fired back sharply, challenging the characterization on air.
The debate was initially triggered by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, rising prices of basic goods, and the declining purchasing power of Greek households. During the heated exchange, Athanasiades argued that the portion of citizens who still indicate in polls that they would vote for New Democracy represents the segment of society that is “benefiting” from the government’s current policies.
Maria Syreggela to Haris Athanasiades: “You supposedly rebranded — and yet here we are again?”
His remarks drew an immediate response from Syreggela, after he stated pointedly that “the 25% that continues to say in polls they will vote for New Democracy is the group that is winning. And not only are they winning — they are being spiteful toward those who are losing and struggling to make ends meet.”
The New Democracy MP branded the comment unacceptable. “Are you seriously saying that people who vote for New Democracy are being spiteful toward everyone else? You supposedly rebranded — and yet here we are again? Back to division?” She stressed that it was “unthinkable for a member of a party seeking to enter parliament to label the voters of the governing party as spiteful.” She pressed Athanasiades to clarify his remarks, but he stood by his original statement without retraction.
