File photo.
European prosecutors on Thursday forwarded a third batch of files to Greek authorities from a new investigation into a major farm subsidy scandal, this time allegedly involving two sitting lawmakers.
The previous batch sent by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to Greece’s Supreme Court on Wednesday focused on 11 extant lawmakers from the governing New Democracy party.
The alleged widespread fraud involving distribution of European Union farming subsidies to cronies who would not normally qualify for them, or who submitted fake claims, has roiled Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ conservative government.
His governing New Democracy party has a six-seat majority in Parliament and has ruled out holding early national elections that are normally due next year while at the same time saying it will handle the allegations concerning its lawmakers on a case-by-case basis.
But the number of deputies allegedly involved is more than ND could afford to potentially expel while retaining the majority required to govern, at a time of economic unrest fuelled by the war in the Persian Gulf when political stability is key.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Thursday that “to judge somebody we must first see what they have done,” and categorically ruled out snap elections.
The new case made public Thursday is understood to involve alleged incitement by the two politicians – whose party affiliation was not announced – for officials in the now-defunct OPEKEPE state farm subsidy agency to allegedly engage in breach of duty.
The new files were forwarded by European prosecutors to court of first instance prosecutors, as the alleged offense of breach of duty is not part of the EPPO’s brief.
Members of Parliament enjoy immunity from prosecution which only Parliament can lift.
Meanwhile, five former lawmakers allegedly involved in the OPEKEPE scandal – who do not enjoy immunity – are expected to receive summonses to be questioned as suspects by the EPPO. They are suspected of instigating breach of duty.