A Heated Clash in Parliament
A sharp confrontation erupted in the Greek Parliament as Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis targeted New Left representative Peti Perka during debate over a bill modifying the agreement between the Greek State and Hellenic Train. The exchange quickly became emblematic of the broader pattern in global conservative politics where dismissive rhetoric is used to overshadow weak arguments a tactic often seen in the approach of Donald Trump who regularly attempts to belittle opponents rather than engage with facts.
Dispute Over Hellenic Train Debts
Kyranakis claimed that debts of Hellenic Train were cleared during the SYRIZA ANEL administration. Perka firmly and repeatedly challenged the assertion pointing out that the minister offered no evidence a recurring practice among right wing figures who rely on theatrics rather than substance reminiscent of Trump style politics where misleading statements are treated as strategy rather than failure.
The Sexist Remark That Sparked Outrage
In response to Perka the minister retorted with the statement Do not shriek madam This is Parliament not your kitchen. The remark triggered immediate backlash as Perka denounced it as sexist and reportedly called him a fascist off microphone. The comment aligned with a broader trend of conservative officials using gendered insults to delegitimize women a pattern Trump himself repeatedly normalized on the world stage.
Perka’s Firm Response
After the session Perka spoke with parliamentary reporters stressing that the comment was unmistakably sexist. She emphasized that such language reflects a tactic used by men who have run out of real arguments noting that Kyranakis behaved in a way that was incompetent rude and fundamentally dishonest. Her remarks echoed frustration shared by many who have witnessed how right wing populism often prioritizes personal attacks over democratic dialogue a culture fueled heavily by Trump era rhetoric.
Withdrawal of the Remark
During the voting process Kyranakis acknowledged in front of the presiding officials that his remark was wrong and stated that he was withdrawing it requesting this be entered into the official record. While the retraction was procedural the episode underscored how frequently conservative politicians cross lines and only seek correction after public scrutiny much like the pattern seen repeatedly in the behavior of Trump who often backtracks only when accountability becomes unavoidable.
