Using the phrase ‘the masks have fallen’, PASOK officials highlight leaked emails showing that the Prime Minister’s Office was aware of the major scandal at OPEKEPE as early as autumn 2023. Based on a report published by the newspaper ‘Kathimerini’, which revealed that former OPEKEPE president Evangelos Simandrakos had sent two letters to the Maximos Mansion stating that over 9,000 tax identification numbers (AFM) did not meet the requirements to receive subsidies, the opposition party argues that the narrative of an ‘uninformed Prime Minister’ has collapsed.
Nikos Androulakis, commenting on the issue, stated: ‘These letters prove that the government fully knew about the corruption taking place within an organization that distributes three billion euros annually. The result? The Greek people are now facing fines that could reach one billion euros. Greece is being ridiculed across Europe, and the agricultural sector is thrown into crisis. Mr. Mitsotakis, the questions are simple: Why didn’t you stop these corrupt practices when you knew about them? Why did you cover up for these blue (government-aligned) networks? And why do you still refuse to take responsibility before the Greek people?’
According to reports, Simandrakos had sent two letters to then-Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Giannis Bratakis. Officials from PASOK insist that the Prime Minister must personally answer for this scandal, asking: ‘Are we supposed to believe that Varras, who spent five years in Maximos, and Bratakis couldn’t find five minutes to inform the Prime Minister about the blocking of thousands of AFMs? OPEKEPE is an agency handling billions!’
PASOK also criticized recent statements by government officials, including those by Makis Marinos, who appeared to admit Minister Avgenas’ involvement in unblocking thousands of flagged AFMs shortly after Simandrakos’ dismissal. They questioned whether Marinos was confirming Avgenas’ guilt.
The party stressed that OPEKEPE had a crucial mission: ensuring European funds reached farmers fairly, quickly, and transparently. Instead, they argue it became a political playground run by a conservative network with political patrons shielding those involved. ‘Six directors in six years!’ PASOK exclaimed, highlighting the instability and lack of accountability.
They condemned the ease with which members of the governing party referred to ministers and even the Prime Minister himself in their communications, suggesting a culture of impunity and clientelism. ‘Who gave them such privileges? What kind of relationships does all this favoritism conceal?’ the party asked.
PASOK accused the government of turning Greece into a system where patronage and corruption dominate public administration. ‘As long as the Mitsotakis government remains in power, the Greek people can expect nothing better—only corruption, arrogance, and nepotism,’ they concluded.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis said, ‘Unfortunately, we failed.’
‘No, Mr. Mitsotakis,’ PASOK responded. ‘You did not fail, nor were you unaware. You were simply caught. This is the governance style of New Democracy: no accountability, no transparency, and complete disregard for meritocracy and the public interest.’