Three Greek Ministers Resign as EU Probes Alleged Farm Subsidy Fraud Greek City Times

Three senior government ministers in Greece have resigned as a widening European investigation into alleged misuse of EU farm subsidies intensifies, adding fresh political pressure on the administration.

Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras stepped down alongside Civil Protection Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis and Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos. All three denied any wrongdoing, stating their resignations were intended to facilitate the investigation.

EU prosecutors escalate probe

The case is being led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which is reportedly seeking immunity waivers for 11 lawmakers.

At the centre of the investigation are allegations that a Greek state agency failed to prevent fraudulent claims involving EU agricultural subsidies, including false declarations related to land and livestock.

The probe has sparked public anger and raised serious concerns within the country’s farming sector.

Cabinet reshuffle follows resignations

The government moved quickly to contain the fallout, appointing former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas as the new agriculture minister.

The investigation is overseen by European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi, who previously visited Athens for high-level talks with Greek officials.

Second wave of fallout

This marks the second wave of resignations tied to the scandal, following the departure of five senior officials last year.

Meanwhile, Greece’s farming sector is under growing strain. Delays in subsidy payments linked to the investigation have triggered weeks of protests, with thousands of farmers staging tractor demonstrations in Athens and across central Greece earlier this year.

Political and economic pressure mounts

The unfolding scandal comes at a sensitive time for Greece’s agricultural economy, with both political accountability and EU oversight now in sharp focus.

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