The Greek government faces a major crisis following reports that 11 New Democracy MPs and 2 former ministers are implicated in the EU farm subsidy scandal.
On Wednesday, the European Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) forwarded a case file to Parliament implicating the governing party’s officials.
The investigation centers on an organized fraud scheme targeting EU agricultural funds managed by the Greek payment agency, OPEKEPE. The alleged fraud centers on a sophisticated scheme to siphon off millions in EU agricultural subsidies through the agency.
Reports say that PM Mitsotakis is considering a major cabinet reshuffle, as the opposition intensifies its attacks
PASOK: “The signature of New Democracy”
The main opposition party, PASOK-Movement for Change, issued a blistering statement on Wednesday, arguing that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is “trapped.”
“If reports are confirmed that the case involves two ministers, two deputy ministers, and the ND Party Secretary, Mr. Mitsotakis has no choice but to purge them from his cabinet immediately,” the party stated.
PASOK leadership further questioned the stability of the government, asking how a ruling majority can function when 11 of its members may soon face criminal prosecution.
SYRIZA: “No more cover-ups”
SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance has called for an immediate and transparent investigation, demanding:
- The immediate lifting of parliamentary immunity for all implicated MPs.
- An end to “parliamentary coups” that block investigations into government criminal liability.
- A meaningful judicial process, rather than a “sham” inquiry.
“Greece deserves better,” the party stated, describing the current administration as being in a state of “decadence and corruption.”
New Left: Will the government allow the truth?
The New Left party challenged the government’s narrative that scandals are merely results of “chronic systemic issues.” They demanded to know if the Prime Minister would continue to block a Pre-Trial Investigative Committee and if he maintains his stance that no ministerial criminal liability exists despite the European Prosecutor’s findings.
Related: EU Hits Greece With Massive Farm Subsidy Fraud Fine