ATHENS – New Democracy (ND) MEP Giorgos Kyrtsos was expelled from the party on Friday, following a decision by ND Political Committee secretary Pavlos Marinakis.

“Mr. Kyrtsos, who was elected with ND’s ballot with a mandate to promote the Greek position in the European Parliament, is doing exactly the opposite with his posts. He is discrediting the country wordwide by questioning the independence of Greek justice and comparing Greece with countries that violate the rule of law. His stance is insulting for all those that trusted him to represent them. Any criticism of the government was tolerated, even if they exceeded the limits. There can be no tolerance, however, for defaming the country,” said a party announcement.