Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is calling for the expulsion of New Democracy MP Marios Salmas from the ruling party’s parliamentary group due to repeated criticism of the government. Salmas had recently accused the government of manipulating bids for catering services, prompting Mitsotakis to demand his removal.
Salmas, known for his populist views, has been a vocal critic of the government’s actions, including refusing to vote for the legalization of same-sex marriage and questioning the handling of delinquent debtors by banks. This led to a detailed rebuttal from the Finance Ministry.
His expulsion, set to be confirmed by the party’s Code of Conduct commission, will reduce New Democracy’s parliamentary group to 156 members. Salmas, a doctor, has been an MP for the party since 2000 and previously served as Deputy Health Minister.
This move follows the expulsion of another MP, Lefteris Avgenakis, for assaulting an airport employee. The rift within the party highlights the growing tensions between the government and dissenting members like Salmas.