Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadi in fresh clash over Novartis scandal

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadi has repeatedly attacked SYRIZA and independent MP Marios Salmas over the revived Novartis case, describing the renewed debate as “reheated food” and insisting that the investigation is closed with no new evidence. He defended his past actions, including a request to former Novartis head Konstantinos Froutzi to place a €2,000 advertisement, and warned that prolonged government vacuum (“akoyvernisis”) would be disastrous for the economy.

Georgiadi also highlighted a €176,677 fine imposed on a diagnostic centre linked to Salmas, claiming the penalty was erased in 2019 and promising it will be recalculated with interest, while blaming SYRIZAn MP Pavlos Polakis for the decision. He reiterated that national elections are expected in 2027 and expressed doubt about any coalition government forming.

Salmas, in turn, accused Georgiadi of publishing false documents, threatened legal action, and criticized the minister’s handling of the case. The feud has involved mutual accusations, social‑media posts, and the prospect of lawsuits, framing the Novartis episode as a central political flashpoint ahead of upcoming elections.