Circles close to Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis emphatically clarified that no such decision exists — a position also confirmed by PASOK sources. “Things unfolded exactly as Mr. Koukolopoulos described. The issue had been raised with the Speaker by MPs and members of the Conference in the past, and it was briefly discussed on the sidelines of today’s session after it concluded. The Speaker referred them back to their parties, saying ‘I am not making such a decision. If the parties agree and there are no objections, we will revisit it in the new year,'” sources close to the Parliament Speaker stated.
Responding to the Course of Freedom leader, Deputy Parliament Speaker Paris Koukolopoulos clarified that no decision has been made and that Nikitas Kaklamanis intends to consult with the political parties before any decision is taken.
The heated exchange in parliament
Zoe Konstantopoulou: “We are raising the issue of quorum — we believe that Parliament cannot continue to operate in this way. Today, as I understand it, the Parliament Speaker announced increases in MPs’ committee compensation, even though the vast majority of members don’t even show up in person — they simply log in via Webex to collect €75. […] What kind of example is this for society? The corruption, the sheer nerve — raising our own pay, increasing MPs’ rental allowances, while everyone is absent.”
Paris Koukolopoulos: “There is no quorum issue — we have no vote taking place. Since Mr. Kazamias was at the Conference of Presidents — and fortunately, we were present, Mr. Amanatidis and Mr. Pafilis — the Parliament Speaker did not announce any pay increase, nor did he signal one. We had an interesting discussion regarding committee sessions, and it was made perfectly clear that no such proposal has been put forward. He wants to hear from the parties first — let that be absolutely clear. There should be no impression that anything has been decided. We had a five-minute discussion after the conference concluded.”
