Rapid developments are being driven by the case file of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) regarding the OPEKEPE scandal, which is requesting the lifting of immunity for 11 sitting members of parliament, something considered a foregone conclusion.
A third case file, within the framework of the investigations surrounding OPEKEPE, also appears to be heading to Parliament, concerning two additional sitting MPs.
If any of those involved are found to have engaged in illegal activities, expulsions cannot be ruled out. This could leave New Democracy with fewer MPs—an unknown number at this stage, according to Kathimerini.
For this reason, the government spokesperson stated from the outset that each case will be examined individually.
A cabinet reshuffle is also considered a likely scenario, as former ministers (e.g. Voridis) had already been dismissed over the same case, and it is seen as difficult for current ministers mentioned in the case file to remain in their positions.
The EPPO is requesting the lifting of immunity for 11 sitting MPs, investigating 5 former MPs, and examining the possible involvement of 2 former Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Rural Development.
The case file also includes two individuals (a Minister and a Deputy Minister of Rural Development) who are reportedly being investigated for offenses committed in the exercise of their duties, thus falling under the law on ministerial responsibility.
Additionally, three current government officials (out of the 11)—two ministers and one deputy minister—are being investigated for actions dating back to when they were ordinary MPs. There are also five former MPs for whom no lifting of immunity is required, as they can be referred directly to judicial authorities.
Finally, government sources dismiss scenarios of early elections for two reasons: first, there is no chance the government would go to elections in the midst of an internal crisis, as this would signal “panic and defeatism”; and second, they assess that the case primarily concerns those directly involved and does not affect the core of governance.
Source: Κathimerini
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