“This means that ultimately the taxpayer pays,” he stated. The penalty relates to extensive irregularities and oversight failures in the subsidy allocation system administered by the Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aids (OPEKEPE) between 2019 and 2022. The minister announced that Greece will appeal the Commission’s decision, disputing the sum and contending that the sanction concerns administrative failings rather than confirmed instances of illegal subsidy disbursement.

Referring to the scandal currently under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), Tsiaras sought to shield his predecessors in the ministry, Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis, from political fallout. He also dismissed criticism directed at the New Democracy government, despite reports indicating the involvement of party-affiliated MPs and OPEKEPE officials.

“We must approach this with sobriety and institutional responsibility,” he said. “The government cannot be demonised when individuals from other parties are also implicated.”

In response to growing calls for a parliamentary inquiry, Tsiaras cautioned against premature conclusions based on evidence still under review. “Some people are rushing to condemn without having seen the case file,” he added, accusing critics of using the case for political theatre rather than allowing the judicial process to unfold.

______________________________________________

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.