ATHENS — Main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Alexis Tsipras on Monday accused the government of legislating "like a thief in night", while addressing parliament during the debate on a draft omnibus bill tabled ahead of the end of the year.

"What is being done to the parliamentary process crosses all boundaries, I believe, and I am not only referring to the omnibus bill and the so-called 'Christmas amendments' but to the manner and method in which the government has chosen to legislate, like a thief in the night. Not just before Christmas, especially during a pandemic – it has gotten out of hand and is now generalised," said Tsipras.

He also accused the government of taking advantage of the emergency situation created by the pandemic, in which "parliament is functioning in extraordinary conditions" and holding votes without any debate, and without publicity about the favours done for specific interests, which under different circumstances would have given rise to reactions even among the parliamentary majority.

He referred to a last-minute education ministry law that equated degrees from state universities with the certificates awarded by private colleges: "We have found a 'factory' that passes laws without any [scrutiny]," he said, wondering whether this was the government's definition of "excellence".