“I considered confronting Tsipras physically in Parliament, but my aides convinced me against it, warning it would lead to my political downfall,” Loverdos stated during his testimony at the trial of former protected Novartis witnesses Filistoras Destempasidis and Maria Marangeli.
Throughout the proceedings, Mr. Loverdos reiterated his claim that the protected witnesses provided false testimony for financial incentives from U.S. authorities.
He indicated that he received this information from another former protected witness, Nikos Maniadakis. Specifically, Loverdos remarked:
“I learned this from Mr. Maniadakis. They told him, ‘Provide us with [Antonis] Samaras and Loverdos, and you can travel with your family.’”
Loverdos also mentioned receiving a call from then-Minister of Justice Stavros Kontonis, which he chose to ignore at the time to focus on his testimony.
The prosecutor later commented on Kontonis’ mention:
“You said Mr. Kontonis called you. He has shared some truths that might clarify elements of this case. I will be requesting his summons, as his statements have stirred public opinion.”
When questioned about why he solely targeted the witnesses and not Konstantinos Frouzis, former head of Novartis Hellas, Loverdos replied:
“I took action against the protected witnesses because they were the ones making the claims. Frouzis didn’t allege anything; therefore, I had no reason to pursue him.”
Later in his testimony, Loverdos expressed:
“Initially, I felt a strong urge to physically confront the prime minister out of anger. But I recognized that this reaction was misguided. Hatred doesn’t benefit anyone.”
Visibly tense, he elaborated:
“I had made up my mind to violently confront Tsipras in Parliament, but my aides persuaded me against it, warning it would lead to my political demise. He was the one I should have held accountable, but as a politician, I avoid going after politicians, journalists, or judges.”
When asked about corruption within the Ministry of Health, Loverdos replied:
“Corruption is prevalent in that area. During our management of a bankrupt Greece, if someone accused Pikrammenos, Samaras, or Venizelos, I would call it false. Even if allegations were made against others, I would assert they were lies—because pharmaceutical spending was declining. The claims made by those false witnesses at that time were outrageous. Before I implemented electronic prescriptions, it was chaotic. I once attempted to fill a prescription and was told, ‘Don’t pay—use your father-in-law’s health book.’”
Andreas Loverdos’ testimony in the Novartis witness trial reflects a mixture of political anger, personal agitation, and serious allegations concerning judicial corruption and manipulation, further complicating the ongoing pharmaceutical scandal.
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