MP resignation rattlesGolden Dawn

In the letter to the president of parliament, Mr Alexopoulos stated his intention to become independent linking his decision to the revelations concerning the party's criminal character stating that he in fact knew nothing of the sort.

It must be noted that justice has requested the lifting of parliamentary immunity for Mr Alexopoulos and the other Golden Dawn deputies for establishing and participating in a criminal organization.

In his letter, to parliament president Vagelis Meimarakis, Mr Alexopoulos notes that he believed the party to be active in patriotic, anti-systemic, and social activities, but that eventually it ended up conducting activities that he and other members condemn and regret being connected with.

Mr Alexopoulos also notes that he wanted to take this step earlier, but was precluded for reasons that he will mention at a later date.

Meanwhile, Golden Dawn parliamentary spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris reacted vehemently calling the now independent deputy a traitor and Judas, also stating that he was “a man of petty value,” adding the insinuation “the money is a lot.”

Chrysovalantis Alexopoulos first entered parliament when he was 41, as he says, unexpectedly. He has said that he believes he is a “son of the people” and a hard working man that has labored since childhood in his father's store that sold animal fodder. He notes how he stacked heavy sacks and transported fodder to surrounding villages.

Mr Alexopoulos notes that whereas the store in the past provided a living for two families, the current crisis has lowered proceeds by 50%. He states that he has no qualms about menial labor, and that even he was surprised by his election. His favorite hobby is fishing.

Mr Alexopoulos joined Golden Dawn in 1996, even though, as he says, he comes from a centrist family, noting that he is totally alien to Nazi ideas, as his family was brutalized by German occupiers for supplying guerrillas, who hung his uncle publicly. He notes that he judges friends for their qualities and not their political beliefs and notes that he exchanges witty banter with his leftist friends. Mr. Alexopoulos notes that as deputy he has been besieged for political favors, chiefly from his 12 year old son who wants a new cell phone.