The decision triggered strong reactions, with PASOK, SYRIZA, the Greek Communist Party (KKE) and Course of Freedom withdrawing from the process.
On behalf of the government, Minister of State Makis Voridis argued that the request should be rejected, saying parliament’s Rules of Procedure do not allow the summoning of individuals who do not hold public office.
Voridis stressed that Dimitriadis has already testified three times, while Dilian, although recently convicted, is not a public official and his collaboration with the Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP) has not been proven. ‘He does not hold a public position,’ he said, rejecting the opposition’s argument about the existence of contracts with EYP.
The committee chair, Thanasis Bouras, defended the decision, citing Article 43A of the Rules of Procedure, which he said limits summonses to state officials and public figures. ‘I could have made the decision myself not to convene the committee,’ he added, rejecting the opposition’s invocation of Article 41A. He also referred to previous parliamentary precedents, both under the SYRIZA government in 2016 and in a similar decision on 2 August 2024.
Opposition parties reacted strongly, accusing the government of obstructing efforts to clarify the wiretapping scandal. The committee’s vice-chair and PASOK MP Panagiotis Doudonis spoke of ‘unprecedented methods’ and read out a 2022 document in which, he said, Bouras had applied a different interpretation of the Rules of Procedure. PASOK withdrew first, followed by SYRIZA, the KKE and Course of Freedom.
Zoe Konstantopoulou denounced the decision as ‘unconstitutional’, stressing that Dilian, as a former Israeli official and someone convicted of espionage, is not simply a private individual. SYRIZA MP Dionysis Kalamatianos spoke of a ‘violation of the constitution’ and ‘parliamentary diversion’, while the KKE described the process as ‘unacceptable’.
In a post, Dimitriadis rejected the prospect of testifying again, noting that he has already appeared twice before the committee and once before the Supreme Court. ‘How many times is enough for the opposition leaders?’ he said, accusing them of alignment with vested interests.
______________________________________________
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.