Speaking in parliament during the debate on the bill reforming inheritance law, to which the amendment was attached, Floridis addressed the provision concerning the acceleration of judicial procedures in cases involving political figures. The provision had earlier prompted a reaction from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Referring to Kövesi’s recent visit to Greece, her meeting at the Ministry of Justice and her participation in the Delphi Forum, he quoted ‘verbatim’ what she had said at the conference: ‘I had this discussion with the Minister of Justice regarding the changes in the legislation. I understood that they want to do something to speed up the process. I really welcome it and I agree that we need to do something.’

Floridis continued: ‘Therefore, when we discuss here that we took an initiative that potentially limits the rights of the European prosecutors, this obviously cannot have any relation to the truth.’

He claimed that he had made ‘a legal and technical improvement, so that there is no doubt, beyond the statements I have made here, that the founding law for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office that determines the investigative powers, which is certainly compatible with the regulation, is not subject to any change whatsoever. The investigative rights that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has, it continues to have. I also want to remind you that the investigators, in all the cases handled by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, exist. I remind you of case 717. Is there no investigator there? There is an investigator. What are we saying here? Simply that the investigator, because it concerns political cases, […] should be an experienced judge. He should be an appellate investigator. And he is appointed by the plenary. And if we talk about the plenary session of the Athens Court of Appeal, it has 250–300 appellate judges… Consequently, this is the framework.’

It is recalled that in a letter to Floridis, Kövesi had earlier stated: ‘Based on what we know about the envisaged legislative change, we are particularly concerned about the speed of the legislative process. The potential implications of the changes are wide-ranging and their hasty approval, which leaves no substantial opportunity for proper scrutiny or debate, appears to contradict the principle of sincere cooperation in protecting the EU’s financial interests in Greece.’

______________________________________________

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.