#baltakos

Former cabinet secretary Takis Baltakos, who resigned after his secret talks with Golden Dawn members were revealed on video tape, presages the formation of a new political party.

Talking to Star television channel, Baltakos said that the party will be called Rizes (Roots) and it will reach for right-wing voters as it will be “very close to the Christian Orthodox tradition of Greek people.” The reason he chose Roots as the party’s name is that it will appeal to those who believe in Greece’s traditions.

The former New Democracy official said that Roots aims at bringing together patriots from the armed forces and police, from the Church of Greece and Christian organizations.

Goosebumps

Failos Kranidiotis, a lawyer who is considered among Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’s closest aides, said he would not be running as a New Democracy candidate for European Parliament in May’s elections, the second of the Premier’s closest allies to be distanced from the hierarchy.

"Samaras: “I would like to emphasize some obvious things . I’m the one who originally fought the Golden Dawn , harder than any one else and I will never allow  any criminal organization to become governor of our political life. Neither I will allow abysmal and unacceptable behavior by any government official. With the same unwavering faith the government fully supports the independence of the judiciary.”" "Greek media report on Friday that PM Samaras and Nea Dimocratia try to change the nasty agenda and lead people’s attention to “economic success” like that “Greece   could return to the markets as early as next week in case Moody’s  release an upgrade on Greek bonds.

"So far, Antonis Samaras has remained silent, while ND officials appear in the media trying to justify the unjustifiable.  Odd enough there has been no official statement neither from ND nor from the PM’s office, despite the fact that the scandal is one of the biggest in Greece’s modern times.

With the Nea Dimokratia obviously being hostage in the hands of Golden Dawn, not only the opposition parties but also coalition government partner PASOK are calling the Prime Minister to give explanations to the Parliament.

Baltakos was a close aide to Samaras, he was appointed by the Prime Minister and the main question is whether the PM knew about Baltakos’ contacts to Golden Dawn.

Ex PM George Papandreou described the scandal as “family business” and implied that PASOK had to withdraw its support form the coalition government.