The Maximos Mansion remains tight-lipped regarding its parliamentary strategy concerning former Agriculture Ministers Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis, both implicated in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) indictment over the OPEKEPE scandal. The news of a second indictment heading to Parliament has been confirmed by multiple sources, intensifying political anxiety.
According to reports, this new indictment may include names of other former ministers and dozens of MPs allegedly caught seeking bribes for voters through individuals tied to the EPPO-accused criminal network. While no concrete figures on illegal subsidies have emerged yet, speculation continues to mount.
The Prime Minister’s close advisory team — including Adonis Georgiadis, Stelios Mylonakis, and others — is reportedly reviewing all possible scenarios with legal experts and Parliamentary President Nikitas Kaklamanis. One possibility is that New Democracy (ND) could vote against the PASOK-led preliminary investigation if no substantial evidence surfaces against the two former ministers.
Another option involves referring the matter to an investigative committee rather than a judicial process, as suggested by government insiders. There is also discussion about differentiating between Voridis and Avgenakis, though the latter insists he faces no stronger allegations than his colleague.
Both former ministers deny wrongdoing and have signaled they will not go quietly, vowing to prove their innocence before Parliament. Notably, there are no indications so far of direct political bribery involving cash transactions.
Meanwhile, the scandal continues to widen, with dozens of smaller cases being investigated nationwide. These involve fraudulent agricultural subsidy claims, some of which have already led to convictions.
The government is under pressure to contain the fallout after the European Commission imposed a €415 million fine on Greece. Citizens are outraged, with private polls showing frustration over taxpayers bearing the cost. Officials say Greece will appeal the fine at the European Court of Justice and may seek compensation from those responsible for the fraud.
Separately, internal turmoil is shaking up the newly rising Movement for Democracy led by Stefanos Kasselakis, following high-profile resignations linked to the influence of a faction associated with the PASP ASOEE student group. Former Syriza advisor Nikos Karanikas and campaign volunteer Vaggelis Antonaros have both exited, criticizing the party’s leadership for failing to address internal democratic deficits.
Kasselakis’ handling of the situation has raised concerns about the party’s stability, particularly given its fragile position in the political landscape.