ATHENS — Government spokesperson Stelios Petsas on Tuesday called for the expulsion of MP Nikos Pappas from the main opposition party, SYRIZA, following the "revelation of a ruthless deep state during the days of [SYRIZA'S] rule" claimed by witnesses in a parliamentary investigation.

"Twenty-four hours after the revelation of a ruthless deep state during the days of his rule, [SYRIZA President Alexis Tsipras] remains silent. The questions, however, are relentless. Did Mr. Tsipras know about the existence of a deep state? If so, what did he do about it? Was he informed by Mr. Pappas, then a minister of state in his government and his closest associate? In any case, as a minimum example of respect for the rules of the Republic, he must immediately remove Mr. Pappas from the SYRIZA central committee and provide explanations to the Greek people," Petsas said.