SYRIZA accuses government of cover-up and ‘party favours’ over OPEKEPE scandal

Speaking to Mega News, Gara claimed that the prime minister’s so-called ‘staff state’ operates as a ‘closed system serving interests’, referring to direct awards, party appointments and attempts to cover up government failures and scandals.

The SYRIZA spokesperson described OPEKEPE as a ‘vertically integrated structure of illegality’, claiming that agricultural subsidies were unlawfully granted to non-beneficiaries through circulars, ministerial decisions and administrative interventions, depriving farmers and rural areas of resources.

She made particular reference to judicial developments and to the cases of political figures who, she said, are included in the relevant case file of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to Gara, the New Democracy MPs referred to in the case are not being politically targeted, but investigated for specific offences described in the file.

Gara named former ministers Spilios Livanos and Fotini Arabatzi, arguing that the government refuses to establish a preliminary investigation committee despite the European Public Prosecutor’s Office referring to possible criminal acts. If those involved are innocent, she said, this will be proven through the judicial process.

She also accused the government of creating serious problems in digital systems and in payments to farmers and livestock breeders through the abolition of OPEKEPE and the transfer of its responsibilities to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue. According to SYRIZA, producers are facing demands to return subsidies, while uncertainty remains over IACS declarations and subsequent payments.

The party’s deputy spokesperson also criticised Minister Adonis Georgiadis over his attack on the European prosecutor, stressing that the central issue is the investigation of the complaints, not the targeting of judicial officials.

Gara concluded by reiterating the need for political change and cooperation among progressive forces, arguing that a ‘strong progressive pole’ is required against the New Democracy government.

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