New Democracy MP Dimitris Kyriazidis is once again being referred to Parliament’s Ethics Committee, following a decision by Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis over remarks he made against the leader of Course of Freedom, Zoe Konstantopoulou, during the debate on a multi-bill submitted by the Ministry of Culture.
He revisited the incident of March 2025, when he had told Ms Konstantopoulou to “go have a child,” a remark that led to his expulsion from New Democracy’s parliamentary group. He was readmitted seven months later. However, in his latest statement, he described the controversial remark as a “wish” and claimed that he had become the “Iphigenia” — that is, the person sacrificed — of easy television ratings and audience figures.
He was readmitted to New Democracy’s parliamentary group seven months after his expulsion.
More specifically, he said: “I expressed a wish to her when a school visited, and because the no-confidence motion was taking place that night, I became the ‘Iphigenia,’ in the sense of being sacrificed for easy television ratings and audience figures. I wish, I said…” he repeated.
SYRIZA MP Elena Akrita interrupted him, saying: “Do not say it again! Since it was a wish, why did you apologise afterwards?”
He replied: “I did not apologise. I am not going to apologise!”
His intervention prompted strong reactions in the plenary chamber. The chair, Giorgos Lamproulis, withdrew his right to speak, while Culture Minister Lina Mendoni condemned his remarks, saying that the manner in which they were expressed was sexist and that such confrontations undermine the standing of Parliament. Opposition parties once again called for his expulsion.
Opposition parties demanded that he be expelled from New Democracy’s parliamentary group once again. The Ethics Committee will now examine the parliamentary records and assess whether his conduct complies with the MPs’ Code of Ethics.
Sources: Kathimerini, Efimerida ton Sintakton, News24/7
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