'Polakisism' and Pappas' conviction are two sides of the same coin, Economou says

"The decision of the Special Court and the fascist outburst of (former minister and MP) Pavlos Polakis highlight the anti-democratic and anti-institutional characteristics of SYRIZA and its responsibilities. 'Polakisism' and the unanimous condemnation of (former Minister of State Nikos) Pappas are two sides of the same coin," government spokesperson Yiannis Economou said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

"Was the poisoning of politics and society with lies the sole responsibility of Mr. Polakis, or is the slandering of Greece a strategic choice for SYRIZA?" Economou continued.

The government spokesperson also stressed the importance of expelling Nikos Pappas.

All 13 members of a Special Court unanimously found Pappas guilty of breach of duty over his handling, as media minister at that time, of a tender process to award television broadcasting licenses in 2016.