G. Kontogiannis removed from ND

MP George Kontogiannis, from the prefecture of Ileia, announced his withdrawal from the New Democracy party and asserted his political independence by means of a simple letter addressed to the Chair of the Parliament, Mr Philip Petsalnikos.

Prior to this letter, Mr Kontogiannis  gave a speech to the Parliamentary assembly during the discussion on the bill for the abolition and merger of services and agencies of the public sector, in which he mounted a fierce attack on the politics of Mr Antonis Samaras.

The reaction of ND was rapid and furious… Members from Rigillis said that Mr Kontogiannis’ reaction was to be expected. «Of course everyone is judged by their choices» they said emphatically. Rigilli is obviously asking Mr Avgenakis and Mr Kontogiannis to resign from office, as they were elected under the party’s flag. Asked whether this action suggests political mutiny, they stressed that «yes, one can say that, since they clearly support Mr Papandreou». ND is certain that these actions aim at stopping the rise of the party and supporting the president of PASOK.

They also stress that «it is evident from his speech that all these actions from last Sunday have been taken in order to strike out at our party and assist the government of Mr Papandreou». And they believe that both Mr Avgenakis and Mr Kontogiannis will soon be joining Mrs Bakogianni’s Democratic Alliance.

What Mr Kontogiannis said at Parliament

«This perception, We and the Others, has penetrated the leadership of ND. Its position is characteristic and instead of trying to unite the forces, it hands a crutch to the government, leading the party into division and crisis. It is not possible for those who were against the party to talk about the existence of fractions». In addition, Mr Kontogiannis stated that the country’s interests come first so the opposition must reach a consensus with the Government. 

"I urge the leadership of ND" said Mr. Kontogiannis, «to request national cooperation from George Papandreou and stop their unnecessary populism, which leads to shrinkage of the party, ND have always placed the country’s interests above their own; if this is not the case, my beliefs and my political career will not allow me to identify with the politics of the party which calls itself the new ND. From now on silence means complicity and I will not be an accomplice. I prefer to stay loyal freedom of speech and the right to vote than stick to this party line».