Have you done your homework, Thodoros?
Well...as I started studying, my teacher suddenly called.
She told me not to study for tomorrow...
...because I won the "best student" award.
"Best student award", huh?
The teacher told me to congratulate you.
To congratulate me?
Yes, but you don't need to come. I'll bring you the award myself.
Where did I go wrong with you, son? Where?
-What are all these lies, Thodoros? -It's the truth, mom.
How many times have we been over this? Good boys never lie.
If you keep this up, what kind of work will you do in the future?
Do you know of anyone who seeks to hire a liar?
NEED FOR LIES
-What's going on, guys? -What planet are you on, man?
NO TO THE lMF
-Hide the bags, man. There are cops! -I just arrived, for the rally.
-It's quite a crowd! -Yes, it is.
Give me these.
Since early this morning, protesters have gathered outside Parliament...
...to demonstrate against the lMF and the new austerity measures....
...that the government announced. The atmosphere is peaceful...
...with a discrete police presence. It remains to see how things develop.
-Back to you, Maria. -Thank you, Yorgos...
Moving on to a different subject... The Prime Minister met with...
...the newly appointed Minister of Health, Theofilos Ferekis.
Mrs. Jenny! Mr. Theofilos! You're on TV!
Is your appointment part of the government's...
...new communications strategy?
Speak!
What do you reply to those who say that you were selected...
...because you come from a political family?
- Look... This is not the time... - When is the time?
Can a successful civil engineer do a good job in the Ministry of Health?
Of course...
No need to discuss this further. Thank you, good day.
- Nice speech. - You won't wear this suit again.
- It makes you look fat. - You blame that on the suit?
-Your gorging is to blame. -Koula!
- He asked. - Call Leonidas! Hurry up!
- Farewell, dear. I'll drop by later. - You do that.
Here.
You're still here?
Let's go.
He had promised to intervene for a loan. Things are tight now.
The last Minister said it would be done. It it doesn't, what will become of us?
- Wasn't that the... - The Minister!
-Coming in from the balcony, again? -What can we do, Calliope?
-You saw what's going on outside. -It's Cally, Mr. Fereki.
I named you Calliope. Just a while ago you called me godfather.
A while ago. Now you're a Minister and I'm a Minister's secretary.
A while ago, someone got too full of themselves.
You mean me? Was I the one who googled...
"Weapons for Minister's bodyguard"? - At least I'm not on Facebook all day.
Do I spend all day on Facebook? All I focus on is my work.
That's enough! Calliope... Cally... Sit down, we've got work. Leonidas...
- Leo. - Get out!
Don't buy their lies no more!
This is a Trojan War!
I told you, he's not here. Please step outside, madam.
I told you he's not here. He can't see you right now.
Come on, please. I said, he's not here!
Are you kidding us, sir? You were all nice when you needed our vote.
Thank you for your participation.
You have no tact. You are a peasant and always will be.
Look who's talking! The State Department!
- Good morning! - Hello.
Margokos, urine analysis.
- Say what? -General analysis and culture.
-He's the Health Minister, not a doctor. - Yes, but I gave him my vote.
Hello! What's up Calliope, is everything well?
-Leonidas, how's it going? -All right, Mr. Agis. The same...
- Rushing, work, stress... - I can see that.
-Not here. Send it to my office. - No!
- Is my buddy in? -For you, he's always in.
I hardly ever see him since his appointment. Very busy, huh?
Very busy, Mr. Agis. No time to take a piss.
Lots of noise, people, responsibilities...
- Great! Karabekos with his brothers. -Not Karabekos again!
Karabekos? Send him away. Come, Agis.
And watch that he doesn't turn this place into a nightclub.
We were in the army together. Now he asks me for spoils.
He's trouble. A man of the underworld.
I can't believe it!
Where are you going, sir? The Minister is out.
Drop that story, it's ancient.
-Does he never step foot in the Ministry? -He's got obligations, meetings...
...serious engagements.
You look pale, you should check it out.
We moved heaven and earth to get him into Parliament.
We bought off the entire underworld. Without any objective, selflessly.
- Did you say something? - No, I didn't say...
What is it you're after? If I may...
Brothers Karabekos are here about their elder brother...
who is in prison for mur...
...for tax-evasion.
I like you, frilly girl. You have a sharp eye.
I've been coming here for a month and leaving my store without its guardian.
Is there no government? Where is the government?
It's not easy, you know. Mr.Ferekis can't do anything about it.
We didn't ask if he can. We got every mother's son to vote for him.
Barmen, waiters, bouncers, lookouts... everyone!
I even had my godmother bless him to keep away the evil eye.
Tell him to get our brother out, or I'll smash this place to bits.
To bits!
The Karabekos clan has many virtues. Patience is not one of them.
You have 1 20 hours.
That's five days.
You don't look well. You should check it out.
How can a girl like you waste herself in here? It's a shame.
Tell me about it, Thodoros. You study for 5 to 6 years and then...
they tell you there's no demand for your specialty. But you know all that.
Sure, I'm just saying that since you're into politics, maybe...
Politics is like the ocean. You tell me now, who will survive in the ocean?
- The trout or the shark? -The cuttlefish!
I'm telling you, politics is a whole different story. This is my job, here.
And you know what? I get by somehow. I live with my parents...
- But what about you? - Don't worry about me...
With a bit of searching, I'll find a spot for me.
Is that so? Chemical engineer, theologian...
...agriculturist, aqua culturist with a Masters.
Universities...a waste of money! The secret is elsewhere, Hara.
Having the right contacts, networking, public relations...
What time do you get off?
Hara, what's going on here? The gentleman?
Health inspection.
There are a few issues in here we should look at.
Tell me Thodoros, are you sure about doing this, in this recession?
Others leave Athens to go back to their village...
and you left your village to come to Athens?
My talent cannot be appreciated in the provinces, Mr. Maratos.
Big city means big trouble. It's chaos here!
That's okay. I'm a sucker for trouble.
Don't you see what goes on? Unemployment, strikes, layoffs...
- Things are bad. - Bad for you, now you're in office.
We're just fine being the Opposition. Time to breath a little.
Why do you think we remain in the opposition?
And you keep bringing us to a standstill with those strikes.
You win votes by patronage, we win votes by going on strike.
- Hello. - Minister!
- Minister. - Representative.
-Representative. - Minister.
Please, have a seat. Congratulations!
First time we have a woman as Minister of Press and Media.
Dear colleague, in Greece, all ministries are Media Ministries.
Ministry of medium Education, of medium Health...
...of medium Employment...
Hi!
The new Minister. She's a good friend of mine.
And since you know a bit about journalism, I'll see what I can do.
Good, because communication is my strong point.
All these people here need me, they just don't know it yet.
That's why I brought you here. This is the political elite's den.
Our nation's pillars.
You can't build the pillars without laying rebars!
You're still thinking like an engineer. That's not what I meant.
If I do away with the rebars to save money, the house will collapse.
- It's not about that. - What is it about?
You won't build the house. If you don't build it, it can't collapse.
- Why are you looking at me? - Ferekis.
Only just arrived in Parliament and the Big-Guy appointed him Minister.
And nothing for us, the professionals.
Take it easy, it happens. Everyone makes mistakes.
Be patient. He won't survive for long.
- Minister. - Minister.
- Representative.
All the best! I was so happy for you.
So happy!
Theofilos... Problems.
The Ministry is hard, but we're doing our best.
You need to work on your communication skills.
Yes, but it's not just the Ministry. I have the voters too.
Find someone to do the dirty work for you. An assistant.
An assistant?
Can I tell you a secret?
You'll repeat a hundred times a day the word "corruption".
Keep repeating it and the people will get used to it.
Minister!
Wait for what, Nasos? A government reshuffle?
I closed deals with three pharmaceuticals and two suppliers...
of medical equipment.
You know how much money that is.
A deal is a deal. You were certain the Minister was on our side.
Without a Minister on board?
Leave it, Nasos... I'll see what I'll do.
Look! Anastasiou, Kontopoulos and Christoforou... all of them.
The bastards! Until yesterday they didn't give a damn about Ferekis.
Now they have drinks together.
Ferekis...a nobody, an amateur!
How can he run a Ministry? He doesn't know how to play the game.
- He doesn't... - Find out who's around him.
Today.
Yes, sir.
In what way am I not "communicative"? I don't get it.
You should have seen it. They were laughing.
What was so funny? I just said we should do our job.
Then do your job and forget about them.
How can l, with all those favours people keep asking me for?
Let them ask. You'll do what you have to.
Thank you.
It's impossible, dear. You don't know this game.
You don't play it like that. I need someone to deal with them...
...so that I can focus on my work. Isn't this why I got into politics?
-Why am I wearing a beige jacket? - Relax, dear!
- I need a private assistant. - A private assistant?
Yes. Someone who can manage all these people.
Someone who's sharp and crafty, who's smooth and a little...
- A liar. - Exactly!
- No, not a liar. - Are you being serious?
You know I can't lie, dear.
All right, get an assistant. But one who fits the right criteria.
Purple tie? Am I going to wear a purple tie?
Just tell me which one you want and we'll take it.
None.
Besides, dear, the issue isn't to change shirt and tie...
It's to change completely.
How do you want to change? Lose 1 0 pounds?
No, Leonidas! That's not what I meant.
As you know, I come from a political family.
Yes, I know. Politics is a closed profession.
Even though I'm new to politics, my background has distanced me...
...from the people. I want to be near the people.
I want to show that our lives are similar.
I'm sorry Mr. Theofilos, but is this a joke?
What similar life? Do you live on 500 Euros per month?
Do you worry about repaying loans?
Do you go to work everyday crammed inside a bus?
You look just like that Minister, Felekis.
Ferekis. It's me.
And I'm the next top model.
- A Minister in a bus? -lt seems elections are coming.
- What's wrong, sir? -You stepped on my foot.
- I stepped on you? - Watch where you're going.
- You stepped on me, sir. - I did? Are you crazy?
You kept moving up and down, what do you want?
- What were you looking at? - What was I looking at?
- Yes, be careful. - Where were you looking at?
We should look at where we're stepping once in a while.
- What can I say... - Don't say anything.
- What can I say! - Say nothing!
Let it end it here! Say nothing! Watch where you're going...
...'cause you have a certain volume. You should be ashamed, you fool.
I'm the fool? You look like a fool with this tie.
You're lucky I respect my elders.
Shame on you! At your age!
Please step out.
-Get out!
Shame on you! You're crazy!
No really, he's crazy.
Hello? How are you Mr. Maratos?
- Minister Felekis? - Ferekis.
For an assistant?
Of course I'm interested! From Monday onwards?
Maybe I should go see him today. The sooner the better.
Not only did he step on me, but he blamed me for it, too!
The brat! How I kept myself from smashing his face, I don't know!
- The brat! The scumbag! - Calm down, dear! It's over now!
- What a prick! - Tell him who he is...
...and I'll make his mama cry. - I don't know who he is!
- Go, or I'll take it out on you. - Why on me?
I wanted to be with you. It's my duty and obligation to protect you!
Go inside! And you, get out of here!
I find it surprising that he didn't recognise you, dear.
Neither did the others. They saw me and totally ignored me.
I don't understand how you got this idea.
- I wanted to get near the people. - Do so with your work, not the bus.
You know what I've understood? That people are disappointed...
They don't want to see us neither on TV, nor on the bus.
And what am l doing about all this?
- Politics. - Yeah, right.
- I wasn't meant for this job. - C'mon, dear, don't say that.
It's what you always wanted. It's why we changed our lives around.
Don't let it get to you. You're just starting out.
Ever since I became Minister I've found nothing but trouble.
Strikes, the doctors, the nurses, the suppliers, the pharmaceuticals...
- Karabekos. - Karabekos...
And that prick made a fool out of me!
His secretary, his driver, his housekeeper...
...his wife. That's everyone.
No campaign manager?
No private assistant?
- Where are you going, sir? - Good morning.
- Is this Mr. Ferekis' house? - Have you got an appointment?
- Yes, of course. - He hasn't informed me.
I see.
I'm the son of Mr. Maratos, the attorney.
My father has taken on a very sensitive case regarding the Minister.
It's about an illegitimate child.
I have some information, which I'd like to tell him about personally.
- I'm sure you understand. - Yes.
You can always tell him I came and you didn't let me through. It's okay.
- No, no, I will... - No, I don't want to trouble you.
No, wait. You can go in.
Koula!
Don't come near me! Out of my way!
Go away! To the right! Now to the left...
Hello.
I'm sorry, how did they let you through without notifying us?
I told them the Minister is expecting me.
- Do you have an appointment? - No.
I've never met him, but... Who do I have the honour of...
- I'm Mr. Ferekis' wife. - No way!
- This is amazing! - What exactly?
I never imagined you'd be so young and beautiful.
Tell me what you want.
Mr. Maratos, the attorney, sends me.
While chatting to your husband, he found out he's looking for a...
- Private assistant. - Yes.
I see.
- And what are your skills? - I'm exactly what you need.
- Meaning? - A liar.
- A liar... - Allow me to introduce myself.
Theodoros Parlas. Also known as "The Liar".
- Aren't you ashamed to admit it? - Why be ashamed, ma'am?
I'm an honest liar.
To the left. The the right!
You're doing my head in! There you go!
- Where are you going? - Jenny is waiting. We have to go.
Yeah, right. Whenever you lose, Jenny is waiting for you.
- Just one more stage. - One!
But keep your mouth shut. Let's go.
So, tell me Mr. Liar... I hope you don't mind me calling you that.
- By all means... - Why did you get into politics?
I was a journalist. But I thought it was a pity to waste such a gift.
A gift? Don't you think we've said enough?
Yes, it was nice. We got to know each other a bit.
- Where can I see the minister? - I'm afraid he's not in.
- C'mon, the guard told me he's in. - Will you believe the guard, or me?
- The guard, of course. -Don't you think you got a lot of nerve?
- I'm sorry but you got a lot of nerve. - Excuse me?
Listen, ma'am. I'm not here to hear lies, but to sell lies.
It's not a competition. Let's compete once we get to know each other.
- That's it. Get out. - I'm not going anywhere.
- I said, get out! - We didn't get off on the right foot.
- Leonidas! - Why bring Leonidas into this?
What is it, Mrs. Jenny?
Are you Leonidas? How are you doing?
Leonidas, throw him out now!
- The lady has got it all wrong. - Out!
Easy, Leonidas... Don't push.
Leonidas, don't push.
My heart! Watch it, heart attacks kill many thirty-year-olds.
What's going on? What's this noise?
What's going on?
The bus! How dare you come into my house, you prick?
- Minister, let me explain... - Explain what?
- I'll kill you, you won't get out alive. - Minister, keep cool.
Keep your cool, Minister. Think about the press.
Not the press!
- Come out, prick! - I'm not budging.
Come out! Calling me a Minister! You drove me crazy on the bus!
- It wasn't my fault, Mr. Ferekis. - Whose was it?
- They told me to do it. - Who did?
One of your political opponents.
Really?
- That's serious. - He said, "Are you unemployed"?
"Then do you want to make some money"?
"l do", I replied. "Take 200 Euros" he says...
"Thank you" I said. "You're welcome" he said.
"Beat up this gentleman" he says. "l will" I said.
- No kidding, really? - "Yes" he says. "Yes" I tell you.
Mr. Ferekis you must believe me. I'm telling you the truth.
Some people don't like that you got the Ministry.
- Unbelievable! -And yet true.
When I realized who you were, I thought "God, what did I do? "
"l hit our Minister? Mr. Ferekis? " "The most honest man in Parliament? "
The pride of Greece?
Had you never seen me on TV, or in any photographs?
Photographs don't do you justice.
You are a gentleman, they don't shoot you properly.
- And TV adds ten pounds on you. - Twenty even...
Get the hell out of here!
Get out!
Mr. Ferekis, you have to believe me.
That man who asked you to beat me up, do you know him?
Him? He was...
I don't know. I mean...
I do know him, but l don't know his name.
- You'd recognize him if you saw him? - Of course.
He was tall, chubby, with a moustache.
- A moustache? - Not one of those thick, droopy ones...
- A little one. - And tall?
Yes. Tall in the sense that... he was short but tallish.
- And chubby? - Yes, chubby...
...but on the slim side.
That doesn't sound right.
- You still haven't thrown him out? - I'm trying to find out, dear.
The truth? Forget it! You know how he introduced himself?
Let me do it again.
Allow me to introduce myself. Theodoros Parlas.
Friends call me "The Liar".
I'm here about the assistant's position. Recommended by Mr. Maratos.
- What? - A politician like yourself...
needs a good liar like me. Proof of that the bus,the opponent and the rest.
What? You've been fooling me, all this time?
Calm down. I wasn't fooling you. I was auditioning.
I was exhibiting my talent. Hire me, Mr. Ferekis.
-You believed my lies, so imagine... -My husband doesn't need a liar.
He doesn't need just a liar. He needs an all-round support program.
- And that is me. - That's enough!
Mr. Ferekis, try me out and you'll be convinced.
I said enough! Leonidas!
Why is your wife interfering in our private matters?
Leonidas, throw him out!
- Karabekos! - You're obsessed with him!
Me? He's here!
It's Karabekos.
- What's he doing here? - He gave you a deadline.
- So tell me. - Tell you what?
You look like a model, my boy. Where do you buy your clothes?
You've got your polizei badge, your radio...
your crest...
But you must eat a bit more.
- Let's go hide in the bathroom! - How about we go to the bunker?
- What are we going to do, Theofilos? - How do I know, dear?
Women and children will get out first. The rest will go to the bunker.
-Let's leave through the back door. - Okay.
Come this way! Watch it, you'll kill me!
- Hello. - What school grade are you in?
Get me your guardian.
C'mon then.
What's up, soldier?
- Long time, no see! - Welcome, Ferekis.
What's up, soldier? Is that how you treat a pal?
I'm looking for you and you're playing hide and seek?
What did we ask for? To get our brother out of the joint.
And your people here play the crazy act on me?
Shame about those guard duties I did for you...
so you could snog that lady and water her bush?
But that's how it is. There is no government. Is there? There isn't.
Excuse me, Mr. Karabekos. How are you?
Mr. Ferekis can't keep track of everything. I'm in charge of this case.
You don't say!
- Where did you spring from? - Theodoros Parlas, the assistant.
I was just talking to the minister of Justice about you.
He said he'd call me as soon as he had any news about your case.
Excuse me.
It's the Minister, it's incredible!
Yes?
Yes, Minister. No, you tell me what happened with the Karabekos case.
- What? - What are you on about?
Mr. Ferekis insists you release the man from jail.
Stop joking! Where have you been? Why won't you reply my messages?
No, you tell me. Do you hear me?
Promises must be kept, Minister.
If you don't want to see me again say so.Don't play the fool with me!
Don't make me get rude.
- Easy there, boy, don't upset him. - Please stay out of this.
What does he mean "it can't be done"?
- You'll do as I say. - Go to hell, you dork!
Why didn't you say so from the start? Now you're talking.
I arranged it. It will be done.
There is a government after all! Respect, my man!
What's your shoe size? I'll get you a pair.
- Thank Mr. Ferekis. I didn't do anything.
- Soldier, you did a first-class job. - Don't mention it, it's my duty.
You don't look well, you should check it out.
Don't make plans for tonight. You're all invited to my club...
-...and the bill's on me. - Thank you very much...
But we can't make it today. We have a lot ofwork at the office.
- But definitely some other time. - Don't tell me you're keeping him.
I'm not, he hired himself.
You score a goal and you win my heart's exit-poll...
You score a goal you run in my veins like alcohol...
Come on...
Did we have to tell all these lies, just to come here?
We couldn't let down Mr. Karabekos.
Enjoy the view and relax.
Mr. Ferekis, you won't regret hiring me. You'll see.
Yo Minister! My respects!
Why are you sitting here? There are many tables in the front.
- We're just fine here. - We can hear just fine from here.
- What do you make of Stella? - She's got potential.
- Yes, yes. - Step aside, Lady Gaga!
Nectar mouth. She wants to meet you. Want me to bring her here?
Not here, we'll go to her dressing room later.
My man!
Whatever Uncle Sam wishes.
- He's not answering again? - Again.
Mine also pulled all-nighters but he went clubbing.
I don't get these all-nighters at the office.
You're having a drink? I see. This will be an all-nighter for all of us.
How can you drive and watch what I'm doing?
Koula can do everything.
- Are you in for one stage? - I don't drink and drive.
It's your loss.
It's nothing, Minister. For you, it's very simple.
Let's help the girl out. Mr. Ferekis is a great art-lover.
I'll never forget this. Besides, such things cannot be forgotten.
Tell me what you're after and if I can help...
Sure you can... You can tell a man who can.
You know Minister, my career has reached a point where... what's left?
La Scala Opera of Milan.
Herodion Theatre.
A concert that will stay in history. If you put in a good word for me...
...to the Minister of Culture. - Certainly!
Minister!
- Do you come in now? - The press is looking for you.
What happened?
Medicine were found hidden in the Dionysus' archaeological site.
Ancient medicine? Tell them to call the archaeological agency.
- Not ancient, fresh medicine. - Fresh?
Not exactly fresh. Expired.
- In the ancient ruins? - Yes. What are we going to do?
- I don't know, I'll think about it. - But we must do something.
How do I know?
Of course we know it. A long time before you.
The Minister himself ordered the investigation at the site.
No, no... It was strictly confidential.
I told you already, the Minister will talk to the Press in one hour.
Good morning. How are you Leonidas?
Please make a coffee for the Minister without milk or sugar. Black.
He drinks his coffee sweet.
- I said "Black". Calliope? - Cally.
Nice to meet you. Theodoros. We should get this place in order...
Not have to search for two hours to find something, ok?
Minister? I think we have to go over a few things.
- Yet another jacket, Thodoros? - Be patient, Minister.
Let's get it over with. We have real problems to deal with.
Image is reality, Mr. Ferekis.
- What's this? - Purple tie.
Perfect!
Can't we make it a bit lighter? It mustn't look too conservative.
- This one here. - This?
You're out of your mind.
But he's an actor.
- This is it. What do you think? - Nice.
Hellas, Hellas, I never cease to chant!
Could you take these files to the accounting department?
No. The state allowance for carrying files was scrapped.
It that the problem or is it that you're stuck on this DVD?
- I'm not stuck, I'm studying. - For what?
Ever since Thodoros came, Godfather always has him with him.
- You don't like him either, huh? - I can't stomach him.
I'll take them Cally.
Because this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
Corny, huh?
I told you that without the cameras no one will notice us.
Is that a good thing, Mr. Ferekis?
We came uninvited to a stranger's hospital.
That's the point.
- Two hours? - That's right. And longer.
It breaks down daily. But they don't care. They lock and go.
And if you don't like it, go by their private practice and pay for the visit.
I see.
Take notes.
What did she say?
It says here that you should have 42 interns.
- Yes. - I only see twelve here.
- Where are the other thirty? - Yes.
Yes.
- Take notes. - Yes.
Look at this paperwork. And that's from just one hospital.
A hospital today, a state insurance agency tomorrow...
...we'll eventually reform the National Health System.
There's a lot of work to do and I don't know if they'll let us do it.
Don't get upset. Remember what we said about wrinkles.
The problems of our Health System are well-known.
My first priority is to improve the medical procurement system...
...starting with the contracting process.
We should be a little careful with that.We might upset certain...
...people and then, how will we supply the hospitals?
- We'll buy from someone else. - They are the someone else.
Look, we're buying more medical gloves than the Chinese.
So? The Chinese are our friends. And besides, they manufacture the gloves.
But they cost us as much as German gloves.
Let's not take on the Germans, too.
Moving on.
I think we should halt the flow of patients towards private clinics...
and private diagnostic centres.
I'm sorry but how will we do that?
We'll repair all the MRl machines that are currently sitting in storerooms.
They'll break down again. They are machines and it's the public sector...
You fix one and another ten break. And besides, why fight suppliers?
Why upset them?
We won't do favours for anyone! Not for the big-shot doctors of Kolonaki...
- Kolonaki is out of bounds. - Why, will it hold a grudge?
It is segregationist and racist. Why leave out the doctors of Kifissia?
Their declared annual income equals the earnings of a child-beggar.
What do we care what they declare? That's the Finance Minister's problem.
Moving on.
- Workers... - Now, why make it personal?
- I said "workers", in general! - Yes, but such expressions enrage...
... unionists and they go on general strikes. Be more vague!
- Why upset them? - We should upset them!
Both them and the suppliers and the big-shot doctors...
...of Kolonaki and Kifissia.
- Why not upset them? - 'Cause it will upset the PM.
And what the fuck will we say then?
My top priority as a Minister, in order to reform the Health Care System...
and to restore social cohesion and solidarity...
...within a society that is stratified and in perpetual crisis...
...is meritocracy and transparency...
...so as to ensure the protection of patient rights.
As the people say, "Health is the ultimate good".
Check out Ferekis! When did he learn how to play the game?
- Everyone learns at some point. - Yeah, but he's a fast learner.
The way he's going he'll be the Prime Minister's right-hand man soon.
Despite the serious problems facing your Ministry, you remain popular.
Indeed...
Look... this is not the issue.
I don't care about being or remaining popular.
My concern is to be a good and reliable politician.
We know that it will take a lot of hard work.
And we've rolled up our sleeves.
I am certain that we'll shed light on the problems.
We'll go all the way, Mr. Nikoleas.
Mr. Hatzigeorgiou, I can gather together some nice guys...
and arrange something special for him.
Yannis?
- Are you an idiot? - Pardon?
- Are we barbarians? - No, but what are we going to do?
- We can ruin his good record. - His good record?
All students have weaknesses.
And what if Ferekis is a nerd?
We'll go to the teacher.
- lnterviews are good, but tiring. - Yes, but the team is flying!
Flying? But we said nothing. We should do some work once in a while.
We'll work when the time comes, Minister.
Because now we have to deal with the jealousy, the envy...
And I'm talking about our guys, not about the Opposition.
We don't have access to the media. We did one show and it's over.
But if we had our own newspaper, our own TV channel...
- Then it'd be different. - Yes, but such things take money.
That's what I'm saying. It takes money and we haven't got any.
I do have some savings, but it won't even buy half a newspaper.
- And that house in Kifissia... - I can't sell the house...
I inherited it from my parents. My great grandfather built it.
- And how much would it sell for? - Don't say that...
You know how much they offered me? It would get a good price.
No, the house has historical value. It has a past.
On the other hand, elections are coming...
...people are frustrated with the recession and they think...
"You cut my salary while you keep your countryside mansion? "
That's how it is. A villa in Kifissia enrages the people.
If you live on rent in the city centre, people identify with you...
...and you get their vote in a jiffy.
- In a jiffy, huh? - Yes.
Good evening. You're here, dear?
- Yes, dear. - How was l?
- Fine. - As generally vaguely as that?
The way you spoke dear... generally and vaguely...
It created a stir, though. The phone kept ringing, several people called.
Television is a big thing. You were right.
And you've got Thodoros to thank, too.
If you're not on television, you don't exist.
Better to retreat to a mountain and write poems.
Poems?
- Are you tired? - A little bit.
The traffic on Kifissias avenue was horrid.
- At this time... -And we live a bit far out.
- Far from what? - From the centre.
I've never heard you complaining about this before.
I may not say much, but I'm a bit sick of this exile.
Relax dear, we're not in Yaros island.
Yeah, okay... But...
I'm choking in this place...
- lfwe moved to the centre... - What are you talking about?
We'll leave the fresh air to shut ourselves in the centre?
I'm thinking... I talked about it with Thodoros...
Well, of course! How could you not have talked about it with Thodoros?
We discussed it. In fact, he disagreed but in the end I convinced him.
- And he had a great idea. - Shall I bring some whiskey?
- Not now. We're discussing. - I'll bring it anyway.
I think you'll need it.
- And what about our house? - I don't know... we'll see.
- It's not a problem. We can sell it. - What did you say?
We'll sell it.
- I don't get you. - These are difficult times, dear.
A villa in Kifissia enrages people. If you're renting in the centre...
...the people vote for you. - Is that so?
But to sell the house? Is he crazy? Our house?
You remember the work I put in to turn that Mausoleum into a home!
- And he wasn't even an MP back then. - Don't take it so hard.
How am I supposed to take it? I'm about to lose my home...
...because of some reckless bum!
- I'm telling you, he'll ruin us. - Jenny, keep calm.
Theofilos wouldn't do something you disagree with.
Yeah right. That was before he met Thodoros.
If only I could find a way to show him who Thodoros really is.
You'll think of something. You're smarter than him.
- Charilaos, you said? - Yes. My brother-in-law.
A stretcher-bearer from Crete. Mr. Thodoros promised...
to transfer him to Athens, but... there's no need now.
Poor Charilaos passed away. He didn't live to enjoy his transfer.
My condolences, madam. I'm really sorry.
How are you? You're here about the transfer?
It's all going very well. I spoke to Charilaos just this morning.
And he must have texted me, because my cellphone beeped.
Where is it? There he is.
From Charilaos. "l got your message, I'm coming to Athens."
He's a great guy. Keeps it short and to the point.
How could he text you? He passed away.
- Did they tell you? - Would they keep it from me?
How could they break the news to you so suddenly?
Didn't they worry about how you would bear the news?
I found out this morning and I almost fell apart.
Is there no humanity anymore? We've turned into beasts!
What kind of world is this? I can't believe it.
- Please, forgive me. - No, please...
I'm so sorry...
He's very sensitive.
Hello? Theodoros Parlas here.
Yes, I got your message.
How about 7 o'clock?
Good. Thank you.
You've done a great job. Mr. Hatzigeorgiou is impressed.
- Thank you. - He believes you have a bright future.
New roads are opening up for you. Great avenues!
And if he likes someone, he'd do anything for them.
Mr. Hatzigeorgiou is very generous.
- Very. - I understand.
For days now, he's been telling me, "Yannis...", that's me...
...I want to work with this person. I want him to be in my staff.
Of course, we need to be discrete. Our collaboration...
...is a sensitive matter. - Well, of course!
Very sensitive.
Don't tell me...
You're an Aquarius.
And your Rising Sign is...
- Scorpio. - Taurus.
I knew it.
That's all, then.
Stella splashed out! CDs, flowers...
It's not a good time for such gifts. What if Jenny comes in...
-Where will I say I know Stella from? - Where do you know Stella from?
- My love! When did you come? - I asked you a question, dear.
Where do I know her from, Thodoros?
Stella is my girlfriend.
Then why is she sending flowers to Theofilos?
I'm sorry, You didn't get why she's sending flowers to Mr. Ferekis?
To tell you the truth, I have something in mind, but I want to hear you say it.
Because he'll be our best man. He'll wed us.
- Really? - Of course!
Then I'll be the best-maid! When is the wedding?
Not for some time, 'cause he's got some business out of town...
...but it will happen. If not today, then tomorrow or the day after.
Why don't you give her a call so I can congratulate her?
I said, why don't you call her so I can congratulate her?
I'll pass it on to her. It's not a problem. I'll tell her.
- I insist. - I'll call her.
- Call her. - I will, right?
I'll call her.
I'll call her but she won't pick it up. She never does at this time.
But let's see...
Yes? Is that Stella? Mrs. Fereki here.
Yes, your best-maid! I just heard the news!
Yes, Thodoros is right next to me. I'll pass him on.
Nice talking to you. I hope to see you soon. Bye!
Next time, don't waste your fairytales on me. They don't work.
Next time you go clubbing dear, don't promise spoils to anyone.
You left your cellphone at home. This lady called to ask...
...if you got the flowers and that's how I found out.
You left the cellphone? How could you?
When it comes to signing paperwork, Thodoros is in charge.
Does Ferekis sign whatever paper he tells him to?
With his eyes closed. No questions asked.
The file he sent us is a goldmine. Today he'll send us some more.
In a few days we'll have the document, too.
Perfect.
- How's work going? - It's all good, Mr. Agis.
-Routine stuff. - You seem to be good at that too.
It's all right, Mr. Agis. A few lies here, a few lies there...
It's retail. But my heart is in wholesale, you see...
Yes, it shows.
You're here, Thodoros? Good evening.
Can I talk to you for a second, Agis?
- What are we looking for? - The flash disk.
Where the hell is it? I always put it here.
Oh Cally, you're full of beauty and as tasty as an orange.
Irrelevant.
- Goodnight and as we said... - Goodnight, Agis and thank you.
-I'll call you tomorrow to tell you. - I'll be waiting.
Are you still working? Do you never get tired?
Never, Mrs. Jenny. I'm even thinking of going for a drink when I finish.
That's right. Besides, you feast on ambition.
Or should I say, on power?
You're never going to like me, are you?
No, I just like joking with you.
- A drink? - Excuse me?
A drink?
Sure... why not?
- You surprise me. - Yes, you're right...
It's true that in the beginning l was a little apprehensive of you.
All this time...
...my behaviour towards you was kind of...
Hostile.
Yes.
Yes, you could say that.
But we all have our own way...
Way of doing what?
Of protecting ourselves.
Of protecting ourselves against what?
Against what we're afraid of, Thodoros.
What are you afraid of, Mrs. Jenny?
Nevermind. Let's forget about it.
Not nevermind!
Forget about what? You say something and then "forget about it"?
Thodoros, I beg you. Don't put me in a difficult position.
- This is very hard for me. - For me too!
You think it's easy for me?
-Don't look at me like that. -How do I look at you?
I don't know...
- Your gaze. Your gaze is so... - Yes, it is.
- I'm not feeling well. - What's wrong?
I don't know. Something's not right. I'm dizzy.
I must have exceeded the dose.
Please, Thodoros. I was always faithful to... Always.
Bank transfer from Thodoros.
Now you can look into the future with optimism and creativity.
Mr. Ferekis, it's Thodoros here. I know you're busy with...
Stella's issues but she's sitting next to me, in anguish.
Did you talk to the Minister of Culture?
Good. So, we've booked Herodion Theatre?
- Did we get it? - One moment.
I see.
There's a problem with the date.
We can solve that, right?
We'll solve it. I've been telling her, Mr. Ferekis.
I've been telling her all along, but...
You won't believe this. Your brother just came in, the doctor.
Amazing?
An incredible coincidence. All right, we'll talk once you get back.
Take care.
He's the spitting image, right? Twins!
Unbelievable.
How are you, doctor? Stella B.
Pleased to meet you. Ferekis. Alexandros Ferekis.
If I knew I'd meet a doctor, I wouldn't have booked an appointment for later.
Yesterday, on stage, I went like this...
and afterwards I couldn't move at all. I did the rest of the show sitting down.
You will examine me of course.
-Couldn't you think of a better idea? - Examine her to get it over with.
The pain starts from here and ends at the back.
It hurts a lot.
Right here, doctor.
- Theofilos! - Jenny!
- What are you doing with that slut? - I beg your pardon!
- I'm an artist. - No, I beg your pardon!
Get out of my husband's office.
- I'm sorry, you misunderstood. - I said get out!
All right.
Tell me what's going on, or I'll smash the whole place down.
- What are we gonna say now? - We'll tell the truth, Mr. Ferekis.
We've nothing to be ashamed of.
It's my fault. I pretended to talk to Mr. Ferekis on the phone...
about an issue concerning Stella and right at that moment...
Mr. Ferekis came into the office. Do you see?
What was I to do? I told Stella that Mr. Ferekis, the Minister...
is not Mr. Ferekis, but his twin brother. Do you see? It's simple.
Don't serve me the lies you tell others. You're out of line!
I never expected that from you.
As for you, Theofilos, I'll see you at home.
And the house is not for sale! End of story!
- You see? - I saw.
For once we told the truth and got screwed.
And now, live from Parliament, you can watch...
the discussion on the new bill submitted by the Health Minister.
I didn't get into politics in order to make history or to get rich.
My duty towards the Greek citizen has always been my only concern.
I do not care about the next elections.
I care about the next generations.
About our children.
Children that won't want to burn down Parliament.
Children that won't have to live on 500 Euros a month.
That won't leave their country.
That won't be ashamed to say they're Greeks.
Finally! Someone speaks the truth!
Dear colleagues, it's time to tell some truths.
Us, politicians, are liars. But the lying is over.
That's enough! Uncontrollable public spending...
specialists overcharging the state, dubious procurements...
...distorting data!
No more!
No more, not in this Ministry!
Not in this Government, gentlemen of the Opposition!
Not in this country!
- I can still hear the applause. - You were amazing...
You were strong, vibrant... If we had elections now...
...you'd get the most votes in the Party. - You're exaggerating.
No, they had underestimated us.
- Will you drive? - No, I opened the door for you.
Do you see now, Agis? Soon he'll bring him into our bed.
We nailed it, right? The Parliament has never heard such a speech.
- We have Thodoros to thank for. - Did Thodoros write the speech?
- Who else? Koula? - I wouldn't have written such bunkum.
- What would you write, Koula? - Things are simple, Mr. Agis.
Meaning?
Thorough checking of medical prescriptions.
Negotiations about the repayment of the debts of the insurance funds...
Rational use of existing personnel...
and targeted spending promoting the interests of the average citizen.
In other words, the obvious.
Why don't you sit down?
We did well, but tiredness hits hard.
- A drink? - Thanks.
- See how he looks after me? - Yes dear, we can see.
You, Mrs. Jenny?
Thank you.
Leonidas? What happened, son?
- Who hit you? - Karabekos and his brothers.
- What for? - For the lies that Thodoros told them.
Someone else takes the fall again.
And you sat there? Didn't those DVDs teach you anything?
DVDs and live transmission are two different things.
Come on, it's nothing. Koula, bring him in so we can shape him up.
Well, I must get going. Theofilos...
What?
- Nothing. -Then why all the smiles and nodding?
- You act strange. - Look...
I've been your friend for years. And this is a sensitive matter.
- I caught something in the air. - What? What air?
A man has to be careful...
...especially when his wife is so young and beautiful
and when he is quite a few years older than her.
What are you talking about?
A man shouldn't trust his wife blindly.
- Hold on a sec... - And Jenny...
You haven't been treating her very well lately. You tell her...
you'll sell the house... Then she catches you with that singer....
And there's that Thodoros...
What about Thodoros?
Did you notice she calls him "dear"?
No way she calls him "dear". Just plain Thodoros.
You all have something against Thodoros.
If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have made it to where I am.
And where is that, Theofilos? Look at yourself.
Rather than you changing politics, politics changed you.
You hang out with politicians you disliked and now they're your friends.
You go on about transparency but you covered for that hospital manager...
-...during the investigation. - What manager?
Did I cover for any manager?
You,Thodoros...what's the difference?
Goodnight.
And keep an eye on Thodoros.
Are you alone? Where is Thodoros?
Agis!
- I saw it in my dream. - What dream?
As if I'd tell you what I dream of in my sleep.
Now eat something to charge up.
I'm not hungry. I'm in pain.
Leonidas is fine. Mr. Ferekis?
- He went for a drink with Agis. - Good...
So that leaves us time to talk a little.
- To talk about what? - To talk about what?
After what happened the other day, we have a few things to talk about.
- I don't understand. - What don't you understand?
- Are you okay, Thodoros? - I'm fine. You?
I'm fine, but I don't know about you.
- How are you feeling? - Just fine.
- Why are you looking at me like that? - What do you mean "why"?
The other day I looked at you and you almost fainted.
Since then I keep looking at you, but you don't react.
- Come one, can't we joke at all? - Joke?
Was it a joke? Do you realise what this joke did to me?
It turned my life upside down. I think of you all the time, Jenny.
- I can't sleep. I'm going crazy. - I think you're forgetting I'm married.
- I never asked you to marry me. - Didn't you?
- No. That's not the point. - There you are!
Why are you doing this to me? To us?
Because... I'm scared.
- Scared of what? - I'm scared.
- I'm afraid you'll disgrace me. - Don't be silly.
I would never disgrace you. No one will ever find out.
- We'll be the only ones to know. - No, Thodoros.
Please Jenny... I want you...
- I want you like crazy! - Stop! Don't!
- So, Agis was right. - Yes. I told him to talk to you.
It was the only way to show you who Thodoros really is.
- You're lying! - He's been coming on to me all along.
She's lying.
He kept saying that you're a bad Minister.
- She's lying. - He was just saying he loves me.
Lies, it's all lies!
- Get out! - Mr. Ferekis...
- Let me tell you the whole truth. -What truth? I saw you!
- It's not what you think. - Theofilos, throw him out.
- You have to believe me! - Believe you? I know you!
Then you know I'd never lie to you, only to others. I'm the victim here!
Theofilos, I can't take this anymore. Please!
Get out!
All right, then. As you wish.
- She came on to me. - Out!
Hi, Agis. Tell me what you know about that hospital manager.
Yes... No. No, Nasos...
Listen to me! I don't care what you agreed with Thodoros.
Did you ask me?
I'm the Minister!
I'd rather resign than become like some other politicians.
I have the file in front of me. Don't I know what I'm reading?
There can be no missing data.
Who delivered it to you?
No, I can't ask Mr. Thodoros.
There's no way. I didn't sign it.
Why would I do that?
Why would I buy more MRl machines? So that they sit in basements...
while private clinics get richer?
My signature?
Are you positive it is my signature?
All right, I see. Thanks.
- You're here, guys? - Did you sleep here, godfather?
- Will you make me a coffee, Cally? - Yes.
Will you make me one too, please?
Where's Theofilos? Why doesn't he answer the phone?
- Things are not looking good. - They're not.
- Theofilos, switch on the TV. - Why, what happened?
Turn on the news. Quickly!
New developments in the Ferekis case. Data leaked...
Data leaked from the Minister's personal file, is conclusive.
According to the files, millions of Euros were spent...
on hospital supply sourcing through illegal direct awarding of contracts.
It is unknown where that money went...
and issues of accountability have been raised.
Let's be more cautious with our characterizations...
I was set up.
What's going on? The phones...
These revelations are indeed astonishing and raise serious issues...
- Thodoros! - I'll eat him alive!
These revelations have serious implications for the Health sector.
Numerous illegal transactions have been exposed.
Yes, Nasos. I'm watching it. Your man did a good job.
Finally, we'll get a serious Minister.
Yes...
A deal is a deal.
All these remain to be proven.
It's from the Prime Minister's office. What shall I do?
Tell the truth.
What truth?
After all these lies? What's the truth?
Yes.
Want me to run over those cameramen, Mr. Ferekis?
Will you talk to them?
Tell them what? That the Prime Minister asked for my resignation?
No. Tell them you're innocent and that you'll take legal action...
It's over. I'll go and pack my things from the Ministry.
No, dear. You can't leave in the night with your head down.
It's not fair.
Leonidas, let's go.
Good evening.
You're going to ask me what I'm doing here.
Let's say I saw the lights were on and I came in.
All alone in the streets at night...
You won't need that box. You're not the one leaving, I am.
You can't understand right now, but you will in a bit.
Can we turn on the TV? There's something of interest to you.
I mean it. Turn it on and I'll be back in ten minutes.
Good.
Channel four, okay?
Ladies and gentlemen, developments seem to unfold rapidly.
The case has taken on a new turn...
Those vultures won't budge from here. I can't stand seeing you like that.
You have to eat something. Shall I make you...
Exclusively on our show today, we have Mr. Ferekis' assistant...
Mr. Theodoros Parlas, who has asked to make a statement.
Good evening. It is incredible, Mr. Nikoleris.
It is incredible how certain business cliques...
planned such a relentless attack. Such a despicable plot...
against the Health Minister, Mr. Ferekis.
All the leaked information, supposedly extracted from the Ministers'...
personal file is distorted and fake. All the evidence, the real files are here...
And they have been sent both to you and to judicial authorities.
We don't have much time. People will start ringing soon...
Asking questions, apologizing... you know...
Make sure you negotiate well.
It wasn't difficult. I pretended to be on his side...
I recorded our conversations and I have all the files he distorted...
in order to incriminate you. But you'll hear all this in the news.
And I have evidence that your signature in those documents is fake.
The proof of your innocence is in here.
And here... is the proof of my innocence.
They brought this for you.
Put it on.
Mr. Ferekis... You've just gone for a drink with Agis.
Two days ago, your wife hit on me in order to set me up.
I'm about to expose the plot. Enjoy!
Leonidas is fine. Mr. Ferekis?
- He went for a drink with Agis. - Good...
After what happened the other day, we have something to talk about.
See, Mr. Ferekis?
- The truth is always subjective. - And sometimes, it's necessary.
Yes... As long as one wants to hear it.
And if one wanted to hear the truth, they wouldn't have voted for us.
That's politics.
There are many ways to do politics.
I only know one way.
There is another way...
But it takes the right person.
- And unfortunately, that's not me. - Yes.
Nor you.
- Want me to drive you home? - No, thanks. I'd rather walk.
- Thanks for everything. - Good luck.
Mr. Ferekis... I'm glad I met you.
You're a rare person. And that's not a lie.
Thank you.
- I'll call the doctor. - Don't guys, I'm fine.
He's back at his old tricks. He's fine.
How are you? I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me.
Me too, Thodoros. I'll never forget it.
- Why, guys? What happened? - Don't you remember?
- What happened? - Karabekos...
He shot at me and you stepped in front to save me.
- No way. What am l, stupid? - What do you mean?
I just wanted to remind you of how we met, how you stepped on me.
- You stepped on me. - You did.
- You stepped on me. - Enough!
So, that's why you did it. Not because you wanted to save his life.
I wouldn't waste my youth to save the Minister's life.
Now that my political career is starting off...
I'm not crazy.
FOUR YEARS LATER.
Mom!
- Look what I made, mom! - Let me see.
Darling! That's beautiful!
I told you Thodoros shouldn't be the child's godfather.
There's how he rubs off on him.
While the city centre is paralysed from the collision between...
demonstrators and the police...
we are waiting, any moment now, the government spokesman's statement...
...to the Press.
Are we ready?
- Thank you all for coming. - It's Godfather!
A lot has been said during those last hours...
I believe the moment has come to tell the truth...
...and nothing but the truth.
When I grow up, I want to be like godfather.
No!