Greek Minister suffers stroke, survives thanks to speedy intervention

Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias was hospitalised yesterday following an ischemic event said government sources.

Hardalias who has become the 'public face' of the pandemic and the fire disasters with his daily briefings to the nation, was at the operational centre of the Civil Protection Authority when the incident happened.

The Deputy Minister was  was transferred to the Agia Olga Hospital at approximately 14:30, where he was examined and had both a coronary angiography and an angioplasty performed. Both were successful, Hospital Director Charalambos Priftis said, adding that the minister will remain in the Cardiology Clinic for observation.

Hardalias has been handling the coordination for the coronavirus and fire crises.

His coordination duties will be carried out by Secretary General Vassilios Papageorgiou, who was already at the Ops Center when the incident occurred, Civil Protection noted.

On hearing the news, Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis contacted the deputy minister to wish him well and monitor his progress. Similarly, government officials and political parties also made announcements wishing Mr Hardalias a speedy recovery.