The angry reaction of Dora Bakogianni was provoked by references made by the leader of Greek Solution Kyriakos Velopoulos about the Mitsotakis family. Mr. Velopoulos personally accused the prime minister on Wednesday that “the Mitsotakis family is a party of favors,” claiming that the late Konstantinos Mitsotakis “appointed several hundred thousand people to the public sector.”
The MP for Chania did not leave Kyriakos Velopoulos’ attacks unanswered and from the parliamentary podium, gave her own response to what he said about the Mitsotakis family. Mrs. Bakogianni rushed to remind the House of her family’s historical journey. She started with Kostis Mitsotakis who settled in Chania in the 19th century, Aristotelis Mitsotakis who participated in the Balkan Wars and was imprisoned during Metaxas’ dictatorship, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis who served twice as prime minister.
Bakogianni to Velopoulos: We exist historically because we never, ever missed a single battle
“We exist historically because we never, ever missed a single battle,” she characteristically stated. “We accepted at any cost the right side of History, without playing with sacred things, selling letters of Christ. Without irresponsibly populism, supporting a country that violently decided to occupy another. We know what cost we still pay today with our Cyprus,” added Dora Bakogianni meaningfully.
At the same time, Kyriakos Velopoulos, taking the floor, accused the former foreign minister of avoiding supporting the allegation about “Russian rubles” to Greek Solution: “You came out and said we take rubles. The difference between us, Mrs. Bakogianni, is that I am a businessman. I gave the right for certified accountants to enter and search my companies. Give me the right to search yours too! We take neither rubles, nor marks, nor dollars. Speak politically, but don’t touch our honor. If you have evidence, bring it here and I’ll go in handcuffs,” he characteristically stated.
He also responded to references about “Jesus’ letters”: “You mentioned Jesus’ letters. You had him as deputy in the government – two years before Adonis was selling them! And you’re telling me this? Grab him by the ear and throw him out! I continue to work and will continue. Whoever wants to, can see my records,” said Mr. Velopoulos.
Dora Bakogianni responded again saying that Mr. Velopoulos “took the bait” as he understood he was being photographed by the ruble allegation: “You took the bait, Mr. Velopoulos. Whoever has the fly gets bothered by it. I said there are Russian interests everywhere. When we stand on the right side of history, you side with those who want to violently change Europe’s borders. A real patriot doesn’t do such things. And third: this family has fought battles. Be careful when you speak about my family,” she argued intensely.
The former minister concluded by saying that in previous years her family has undergone thorough financial audits. “When you speak about my family, be very careful. There is no government that hasn’t thoroughly examined our asset declarations, including mine. It’s no coincidence that we are here, we show up and we know how to win,” emphasized Mrs. Bakogianni meaningfully.
