Government spokesperson Paulos Marinakis launched a sharp attack on former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, directly challenging his repeated claims of personal integrity — a theme Tsipras emphasized in a speech delivered yesterday (July 9) in Peristeri. Marinakis’ statement comes amid renewed scrutiny over the controversial Penal Code reforms passed by Tsipras’ government just before parliament dissolved ahead of the June 2019 snap elections.
A Direct Challenge on Accountability
Marinakis questioned why Tsipras kept parliament open for an extra week despite having already announced early elections. The move allowed the passage of a revised Penal Code widely criticized for provisions that — according to Tsipras’ own Justice Minister at the time — contained glaringly problematic clauses, including measures enabling mass early releases of convicted individuals.
“At the very least, let the ‘most honorable’ Mr. Tsipras answer one basic question,” Marinakis wrote. “Who did he serve with this decision?” He also reiterated longstanding allegations about an unofficial ‘shadow Ministry of Justice’ operating during Tsipras’ tenure at the Maximos Mansion — a claim reportedly confirmed by one of Tsipras’ own ministers — and noted that Tsipras has yet to clarify who was behind it.
Sharp Criticism Over Rhetoric
Marinakis further criticized Tsipras’ recent rhetoric, accusing him of failing to undergo genuine political rebranding and instead reviving the most damaging elements of his administration’s legacy. In particular, he condemned Tsipras’ comparison of the current democratically elected government — which won two consecutive elections — to Greece’s darkest historical periods: Nazi occupation and the military junta.
“The word ‘shame’ is no longer sufficient to capture Mr. Tsipras’ political decline,” Marinakis stated.
The announcement concludes with a firm warning: “No matter how much he resorts to toxicity and insults, he will not avoid answering these questions.”