Pangalos offends Cretans... this time.

The tragic incident underscored the passion for illegal firearms that has gripped Crete for centuries. At the same time that the public again decried the, according to some barbarous, custom of “balothies” (discharge of weapons at celebrations), outspoken veteran politician, known for his inflammatory comments, Theodoros Pangalos stoked the fire outraging, many, and especially Cretans.

Speaking on radio, Mr Pangalos among other things said: “There should be a broader plan to recapture the island and disarm all Cretans.”

Besides decrying the phenomenon as unacceptable, he took things a step further saying “Let not the Cretans tell us that they've had the guns from old times, for fear of something bad. Because we will them why they did not revolt in 1821, like the rest of the country?”

He was called upon to tone his comments down, which, as if anyone who's ever seen Mr Pangalos' public tirades could tell you, he didn't.

His comments drew barbs from Cretans and historians alike who pointed to a multitude of rebellions, insurrections, mutinies against foreign overlords by Cretans, and of course the subsequent sacrifice and suffering. Some comments on social media even call on Mr Pangalos to say this on Crete if he dares.