Greek Government Takes Responsibility for OPEKEPE Scandal as New Investigation Looms

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The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is urgently seeking to exit the political turmoil caused by the OPEKEPE scandal. Leaked conversations have confirmed clientelist practices that harmed both farmers entitled to EU subsidies and Greek taxpayers who will ultimately bear the cost of fines from Brussels. This revelation has placed the government in a precarious position.

Following the swearing-in of new Migration Minister Thanos Plouras—who replaced Makis Voridis, who resigned—and three new deputy ministers, Mitsotakis pledged to put an end to illegal subsidy payments. He announced the formation of a special audit team involving financial authorities and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) to investigate all cases of unlawful disbursements funded by European resources. He also emphasized that funds wrongfully allocated would be redirected to rightful beneficiaries.

In a rare display of self-criticism, Mitsotakis stated he was taking responsibility on behalf of all previous governments that failed to reform the state apparatus. He stressed the need to build a transparent relationship between citizens and officials via digital platforms like gov.gr, moving away from patronage-based systems.

While such issues exist elsewhere, Mitsotakis acknowledged they were more pronounced in Greece, highlighting the state’s evident shortcomings despite reform efforts. The government plans to abolish OPEKEPE and integrate its functions into AADE.

This scandal arrives at a sensitive time for the government, which was attempting a political reset after the Tempi train crash tragedy. Now, it faces two major risks: damage to public opinion ahead of crucial elections and the possibility of a new investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office that could implicate more government figures and lawmakers.

Inside the Maximos Mansion, discussions are ongoing regarding the appropriate stance toward a parliamentary committee investigating the responsibilities of former Agriculture Ministers Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis. A preliminary inquiry committee appears more likely than an investigative one. New Democracy is expected to wait for the PASOK proposal before deciding whether to support it fully or partially.

Time is running out for final decisions, as the government races to manage reputational damage and prevent further legal consequences.