Politics is rife with double standards, but sometimes it goes too far. The case of the former employment minister’s zoning infringement and that of the current public works minister is one outrageous example.

The former lost his government post, while the latter insists on trying to justify the unjustifiable. One can only wonder to what degree the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works Ministry believes its chief is entitled to impunity or deserves special media treatment.

The government, voted into power on the strength of its anti-corruption campaign, must demonstrate that double standards cannot be applied to its ministers. It must think about the impression it could make if it enforced the law against the minister, Giorgos Souflias, and made him demolish his house. This would show political responsibility and that the law applies to everyone, especially those whose job it is to enforce it.

If the minister insists on his stance, then someone should explain to him what a European colleague would do under similar circumstances.