Following the revelations surrounding the OPEKEPE scandal, SYRIZA is pushing for the formation of a preliminary committee while reiterating its call for the resignation of the government and elections. The party’s parliamentary office is set to meet at noon to discuss developments in the case and the possibility of cooperation with other parties to submit a request for a preliminary investigation committee.
Given that PASOK has shown reluctance to collaborate with SYRIZA on this matter, officials from SYRIZA headquarters are looking elsewhere for allies. However, even this may not be easy, as the New Left and Kasselakis’ party—due to their stance on the Tempi issue—have distanced themselves from any potential alliance with SYRIZA.
Of course, if members of the New Left propose a joint initiative to SYRIZA regarding a preliminary inquiry, it is likely that SYRIZA will not reject it, in contrast to their position on possible collaboration with MPs from Stefanos Kasselakis’ faction.
Currently, the focus of SYRIZA officials appears to be shifting towards independent MPs, some of whom have expressed willingness to sign SYRIZA’s proposal.
The president of SYRIZA, in recent statements concerning the OPEKEPE affair, referred to the parliamentary initiatives his party intends to take regarding the investigation into potential criminal acts by government officials. He emphasized that a preliminary examination “to investigate criminal responsibilities is necessary,” noting that daily revelations about the corruption scandal at OPEKEPE involving agricultural subsidies are shaking Greek society, while nearly half the cabinet is mentioned by name in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office dossier.
He added that now “the resignations of a few ministers are no longer sufficient.” Under current conditions, he concluded, “what is required is the resignation of the government, elections, and a progressive administration to deliver justice and regenerate our country,” once again insisting on an early return to the polls.
The election issue has gained traction within SYRIZA, as party officials believe the prime minister, under pressure from recent events and the poor state of New Democracy due to the new scandal, might seek snap elections this autumn. Notably, many SYRIZA officials have referenced this possibility, with Kostas Barkas stressing: ‘We are not afraid, unlike other parties. Elections now to bring down Mitsotakis’ regime. We do not look after your personal interests.’
Meanwhile, comments by SYRIZA MEP Kostas Arvanitis have also caused waves. He stated: ‘There are other dossiers coming.’ ‘Behind the OPEKEPE scandal lies a criminal organization with ‘Frappes’ and ‘Hasapes,’ as seen sitting together at the same table. They bought consciences, as the European prosecutor herself says. I believe there was manipulation of the 2023 election result. Period,’ said the SYRIZA MEP, adding: ‘And the prime minister confirms it when he says it was about a few votes—I say it was about thousands of votes. This scandal has been discussed in Brussels for two years. Those in power felt so safe controlling the state that we heard about issues at OPEKEPE but nothing was done.’
He further noted: ‘No matter how many people Mr. Mitsotakis replaces, Mr. Mitsotakis must go. Predator, Tempi, OPEKEPE. Is everyone else to blame and not the misled prime minister? I don’t understand why the Greek judiciary does not act ex officio. What does it mean when Ms. Adelin says the European prosecutor is dealing with it and we are not? They deceived the taxpayers.’