Kouroumblis in the House: If I will give up, others will judge it [live]

The political controversy surrounding the sinking of the tanker "Agia Zoni 2" is in progress from the morning, as the Minister of Shipping Panayiotis Kourouplis answers the timely question of Thanasis Theocharopoulos (DISY) and the topical question of 23 MPs in the SW.

Initially, the President of DIMAR and Democratic Counterparty MP Thanassis Theocharopoulos accused the Maritime Ministry's political leadership of "unjustified obstruction" and demanding the resignation of the Minister.

Speaking to Mr. Kouroumplis and addressing Thanasis Theoharopoulos, he acknowledged the anxiety that he is presenting at this time, but noted that for 13-14 days the shipwreck did not just visit the Ministry to be informed by the competent bodies but he did not even call him to put his questions to him.

Regarding the causes of the accident, the Minister of Shipping clarified that they are being investigated by both the Justice, the Independent Authorities and the Ministry. "When we have the conclusion, we will put it to society and we have the courage to say that the only one that is not responsible is society," the minister said.

"Responsibilities exist and will be repaid," was the clear message sent by Panagiotis Kourouplis.

Regarding the professionals expressing their concern, the Minister of Shipping said that it is in the central thinking of the government the problems that have arisen for the professionals in the region and underlined that the ministry will stand next to them, drawing and allocating resources to them.

In response to the strong criticism he has received and the request of both ND and DISY for his surrender, Panayiotis Kourouplis said:  "You are asking to give up. Others will judge it. But society has already judged it. "

"You are drawn away from the climate created by some of the main opposition and the media and aiming to strike me personally. But do not get the impression that you represent society and we do not, nor do you have any more sensitivity, "he continued, addressing Thanasis Theocharopoulos.

As far as the Ministry's actions are concerned, he stressed that from the very first moment, the state mechanism had been alerted, that RIP inspectors carried out inspections on a daily basis and that the ministry is in dialogue with the environmental organizations. "We will have first estimates in a month," he said.