The sharp remark by the Minister of Health regarding Stefanos Kasselakis which sparked comments and stole the spotlight during the live online political discussion on the National Health System (ESY).
In a particularly heated and politically charged online discussion which drew attention to health and the National Health System, the remark by Adonis Georgiadis directed at Stefanos Kasselakis sparked intense reactions and commentary, as it was made in a context where the two sides were exchanging views on the system’s shortcomings, waiting lists, and the overall functioning of public healthcare. Amid this climate of confrontation and political barbs, the phrase “you’re coming across as very right-wing” served as a defining moment that captured the dynamic of the conversation and highlighted the ideological differences between the two interlocutors, transforming a technical discussion on health into a highly publicized political moment.
In a live online discussion with the president of the “Democrats”, Stefanos Kasselakis, the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis is currently participating. The invitation to the Minister of Health was extended by Tyler Macbeth, in the presence of Stefanos Kasselakis, during an LGBT Center Greece vidcast on YouTube, and Mr. Georgiadis responded positively.
The discussion on private health insurance that… Stefanos Kasselakis does not have
At the start of the show, after a video was shown featuring citizens’ views on the National Health System (ESY), Adonis Georgiadis emphasized that the great advantage of the National Health System is its free services. Stefanos Kasselakis revealed that he does not have private health insurance in Greece, and the Minister of Health replied that he hopes he never gets sick, but, if necessary, “we’ll take care of you,” he told him characteristically.
Mr. Georgiadis acknowledged the shortage of nurses as a major problem, while noting that the National Health System (ESY) is called upon to handle approximately 85,000 cases daily. “Don’t take it out on the National Health System,” he said, and he also defended the appointment system via the 1566 hotline, noting that appointments are scheduled within a few days and total approximately 400,000 per month.
Bribery exists, Mr. Georgiadis acknowledged, noting that it even occurs in Switzerland and is not a phenomenon unique to Greece. “Personally, I detest it,” he said, explaining the steps the government is taking to address it. As he noted, waiting lists have been reduced, while doctors in the National Health System (ESY) can now also practice privately, and there is no longer any reason to pay bribes, as the average wait time for non-urgent surgery has decreased by 92%.
““Personally, wherever I find a bribe, I root it out,” he said emphatically, while at another point, listening to the “Democrats’” positions on health care, he addressed Mr. Kasselakis, noting that, based on what he was saying, he could welcome him to the New Democracy party and to Adonis Georgiadis’s Ministry of Health. “You’re coming across as very right-wing,” he told him pointedly.
Georgiadis: “I detest bribery”
Discussing current political events, Stefanos Kasselakis expressed his sadness over the developments within SYRIZA, while Adonis Georgiadis took the opportunity to retort, saying: “Do you realize that Tsipras had it all set up for you from the start?” “I realized it halfway through my term,” replied Kasselakis.
In fact, Mr. Georgiadis commented on the poll numbers for the Greek Left Alliance, pointing out that Stefanos Kasselakis had put SYRIZA in a better position when he was removed from the leadership.
At another point in their conversation, and in response to a question from Kasselakis, Mr. Georgiadis acknowledged that he is often provocative in his public statements. In fact, as he said, he entered politics to “break” the ideological hegemony of the Left.
“I am on good terms with everyone,” Mr. Georgiadis added, maintaining that he has a very good relationship with most of his political opponents, but that does not mean he will abandon his ideological battles.
