PASOK led the charge by filing an objection of unconstitutionality and described the amendment as “pernicious” and “despicable.” Dimitris Manzos, a PASOK representative, accused the government of a unilateral approach that lacked necessary dialogue with stakeholders, demanding the amendment’s withdrawal.

SYRIZA’s spokesperson, Katerina Notopoulou, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the government’s policy prioritises private interests over the needs of citizens, particularly those in vulnerable situations. From the Communist Party (KKE), Vivi Daga criticised the move as another step towards the privatisation of healthcare, effectively turning hospitals into businesses.

Euclid Tsakalotos of the New Left condemned the amendment as part of a broader strategy to dismantle the welfare state piece by piece, calling the policy “unacceptable.” Similarly, Maria Athanasiou from the Greek Solution argued that this amendment exposes the government’s inability to reform the ESY, instead opening doors for private practitioners to operate within public facilities.

Nikos Papadopoulos from Niki highlighted the disregard shown not only towards doctors but also towards patients who are economically disadvantaged, labelling the government’s stance as shameful.

The controversial amendment was part of a bill titled “Reformation of the program ‘Housing and Work for the Homeless'”, submitted late Friday night, further intensifying the criticisms for lack of transparency and adequate discussion.

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