NEWS

ND MP Giakoumatos attacks government, retains immunity

New Democracy MP Gerasimos Giakoumatos (photo) launched an outspoken attack on the government and Public Order Minister Nikos Dendias in particular on Wednesday as he fought to prevent his parliamentary immunity being lifted in connection to a tax offense allegedly committed at a retirement home run by his wife and brother.

“This is clearly political persecution,” thundered the lawmaker ahead of Wednesday’s vote in Parliament.

“They do not want to fight tax evasion. They want to fight Giakoumatos and his politics.”

The MP then attacked the Financial Police, who arrested his relatives, and Dendias, the minister responsible for the body.

“Congratulations for finding the Lagarde list and for catching [Savvas] Xeros,” he said sarcastically.

He was applauded by a number of New Democracy MPs, including Interior Minister Yiannis Michelakis.

Giakoumatos claimed the only offense committed by the nursing home was to owe 3,000 euros in taxes from 2012.

Only 127 of 300 deputies voted in favor of the lawmakers’ immunity being lifted so he will not face prosecution.

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