The president of Course of Freedom accuses the government of intervening in the independence of the judiciary and questions the creation of the new committee recently established by the minister, chaired by the former president of the Supreme Court and including Greek former presidents of international courts, as well as the president of the Athens Bar Association.
In her question, Konstantopoulou refers to ‘interferences in open criminal cases and trials’ and to ‘the government’s attack on the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’. She notes that the committee chaired by the former Supreme Court president has been tasked with preparing the Greek presidency of the EU in the second half of 2027, and asks the justice minister to clarify its remit, the reason for its establishment and the criteria for selecting its members, as well as the method by which its chair was appointed.
At the same time, she asks what discussions preceded the appointment of the committee’s members and what has been agreed regarding their work and any compensation.
Konstantopoulou argues that the formation of the committee constitutes ‘a blatant ongoing interference in the independence of justice and a blatant display of influence’.
The full urgent question follows:
‘Subject: The committee recently established by you and your interventions in justice
Amid your constant interventions in open criminal cases and trials, and amid the government’s attack on the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, you have established a committee under the chairmanship of the former president of the Supreme Court, Ms Klapa, with the objective of preparing Greece’s presidency of the EU in the second half of 2027.
- What is the purpose of this committee, what is the reason for its establishment and what were the criteria for its composition? On what basis was Ms Klapa appointed as chair?
- What discussions were held with the appointed members of the committee in view of their appointment, and when?
What was agreed regarding the work, its scope and its compensation? Do you, or do you not, realise that the formation of the committee constitutes a blatant ongoing interference in the independence of justice and a blatant display of influence?
Athens, 20 April 2026
Zoe N. Konstantopoulou
President of the Parliamentary Group of Course of Freedom
MP for the B1 constituency of the northern sector of Athens’
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.