The PASOK party has raised concerns over 804 transport allowance payments—totaling €4.14 million—requested for recovery by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. Drawing parallels to the infamous OPEKEPE scandal, party spokesperson Costas Tsoukalas questioned why the ministry is now seeking repayment of allowances granted just weeks before the May 2023 national elections.
A Pre-Election Pattern?
Tsoukalas noted that the bulk of these allowances—around 800 in total—were issued in the final month before the May 2023 vote, and are now being reclaimed with interest. ‘Was something illegal done? Why are they being recalled now?’ he asked, calling on the government to clarify immediately. He stressed that while authorities have acknowledged criminal investigations are underway—including a formal complaint filed with the Mytilene First Instance Prosecutor—the political implications remain serious.
Ministry Response and Continued Questions
In its official parliamentary reply to MP Stavros Michailidis, the ministry confirmed an investigation had begun in January 2024 after anomalies were detected in Phase 11 of the Transport Allowance scheme: business applications surged by 56%, and requested amounts rose by 140%. Yet PASOK argues the government sidestepped key questions—particularly about timing—and insists on answers to three core issues:
- Were funds disbursed to ineligible recipients?
- Can the state recover improperly paid sums?
- Has the ministry already committed or reserved funds for repayment?
Most critically, PASOK demands transparency regarding why these contested payments were approved just two weeks before the May 2023 elections—and warns it will continue pressing for answers until full accountability is achieved.