KKE chief stands by ‘sugar daddy’ comment amid controversy
Dimitris Koutsoumbas, the general secretary of Greece’s Communist Party (KKE), has stood by his remarks suggesting that the imposition of university tuition fees in Scandinavian universities has led young female students there to date older men for money in order to cover their educational expenses.
During a parliamentary debate on Thursday regarding a draft bill proposing the recognition of non-state universities in Greece, Koutsoumbas criticized a proposal by PASOK socialists to adopt the Swedish higher education system in the country saying, “As for the Scandinavian model, not even the Scandinavians believe in it, as they have also faced bitter experiences due to the imposition of tuition fees. [This has] resulted in a rotten state of affairs where young female students resort to seeking ‘sugar daddies’ to finance their studies, in exchange for favors we are all aware of. Perhaps you should consider emulating another ‘capitalist paradise’.”
His remarks drew condemnation from PASOK, as well as from the ruling New Democracy and the opposition SYRIZA, and sparked outrage on social media platforms.
Addressing lawmakers ahead of a vote on the bill on Friday, Koutsoumbas defended his statements, questioning why some people appeared shocked. He asserted, “What truly disturbs them is not the reality itself, but rather its exposure and condemnation. You are not troubled by the fact that these incidents occur around us, but you are perturbed when they are brought to light.”
“Why don’t you speak out against the fact that various networks and companies attempt to exploit both female and male students to cover their high tuition fees at schools in developed European countries?” he said, before submitting ads purportedly supporting his claims.
“We have condemned these despicable exploiters of human flesh, not the women who fall victim to exploitation. Instead of condemning all of this, you choose to vilify the KKE. We can address the young women directly, look them in the eye, and urge them to join the struggle. Stop defending corruption, degeneration, the economic subjugation of women, and exploitation,” he said.
