File photo. [InTime News]
MP Marios Salmas has been expelled from New Democracy’s parliamentary group by the party’s ethics committee. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis requested the expulsion after Salmas accused the government of bid manipulation. Despite being a member of the populist wing, Salmas refused to resign and will continue as an independent MP.
Salmas had previously criticized Mitsotakis for favoring the elite over the masses. His expulsion comes after a series of clashes, including his opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage. With his expulsion, New Democracy now has 156 members in Parliament out of 300 seats.
Salmas, a doctor turned politician, has served as an MP for New Democracy since 2000. His expulsion marks another case of dissent within the ruling party, following the expulsion of another MP in July. Salmas’ refusal to align with the party’s stance on various issues ultimately led to his ousting.