Tension and clashes once again at the cabinet meeting

The unprecedented quarrel during the cabinet meeting between finance minister Evangelos Venizelos and transport minister Makis Voridis on issues of justicecaused intense debate on the functioning of the government

The pretext was the reduction of criminalization and the facilitation of divorces. Voridis openly disagreed with these two reforms by justice minister Miltiadis Papaioannou, saying that LAOS has values ​​and ideological disagreements. Taking the floor, Venizelos spoke of "screamers" who must understand that they are wrong. Voridis did not let that one go and said that this is not a PASOK government and every opinion must be heard. Venizelos reprimanded him by saying: "You should watch your mouth", receiving the answer "I will speak as I like".

Papademos intervened and in an attempt to calm things down, said that all opinions will be heard in the cabinet.

But when the turn of justice minister Miltiadis Papaioannou came, speaking to Voridis, he stated: "The greater value is that of justice and therefore we should enhance the sense of justice for the people. You will know that in democracies the parliament is the decision making body."

Loverdos’ intervention

Health minister Andreas Loverdos tried to calm things down, speaking of his effort to achieve convergence on an issue of his ministry. "The intensity in our speeches does not help us. Yesterday, I presented two legislative initiatives to the intraparty committee, before bringing them to the cabinet, and the two other parties gave me a 'no'. Instead of accusing the other political forces, I continued the dialogue to reach even a few agreements."

Loverdos also requested support for the government: "We must support the government a) regarding the implementation of the decision of October 26, and b) regarding everything related to economic development and removing barriers created by bureaucracy in administration and justice. The contribution of justice to the economic delay is 50% of the overall problem. Today in Greece, there is a denial ofjustice. Citizens do no resort to justice when they know it will take many years to resolve their problem. That must change, primarily on issues related to economic development and prosperity."

ND members

When foreign minister Stavros Dimas spoke, he said that disputes should be resolved at a lower level and only major disagreements should reach the cabinet. "Simple common sense," he said, adding that there can be no consensus in such a crowded group as the cabinet, which is discussing a bill with 114 articles.

The intervention of defence minister Dimitris Avramopoulos was similar. He said there can be no one-sided government, while convergence should be sought at all times.

Finally, they agreed to discuss the differences at a "lower level" before reaching the cabinet, and if they do not reach an agreement, then the final solution will be given by the parliament.