Three Hurdles for the Establishment of a Pre-Investigative Committee for Kostas Karamanlis: Blue Concerns Worry Maximou

As the days approach for the discussion and vote in Parliament on the establishment of a Pre-Investigative Committee regarding former Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Kostas Karamanlis, anxiety is intensifying within government circles about the stance of majority MPs. The possibility that some of these MPs might not vote for New Democracy’s proposal for preliminary examination of potential misconduct by the former minister exists. Indeed, it is openly discussed in ‘blue’ sources… Some believe that the legal framework is outdated and that there is no indication that the former minister could be charged with the specific offense. There have also been suggestions that New Democracy is being dragged into this initiative due to pressure from the opposition. For the proposal to pass, an absolute parliamentary majority is required, meaning it must be voted for by 151 MPs. Given that the New Democracy Parliamentary Group has 155 MPs, just four ‘no’ votes could prevent it from passing. This is why government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis recently called on opposition MPs, mainly from PASOK, to vote not only for their own proposal but also for New Democracy’s, a message that resonated with some ‘blue’ MPs as well. After more than two years since the tragic accident at Tempi, if Parliament does not approve the establishment of a Pre-Investigative Committee for the then Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, it would be the worst scenario for the government, as such an outcome would fuel accusations of a cover-up and impact New Democracy’s popularity. However, the opposition would not remain unscathed either, as passing their own proposal would require support from New Democracy MPs, which is unlikely. The governing party insists that Parliament should give the ‘green light’ for a pre-investigative committee for misconduct and, if the case finds criminal liability after judicial review, the government pledges not to hinder further investigation. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Kostas Karamanlis is considering giving leeway to those expressing concerns. According to reports, the former minister plans to send a letter to his New Democracy colleagues, clearly stating his desire to be judged by his natural judge and urging them to vote for the majority’s proposal. ‘The former minister wants to clear his name,’ say his associates, noting that he ‘is not afraid of Justice.’ His main argument is that oversight for safety rested with the Railway Regulatory Authority (RRA) and not the minister, who is responsible for funding and staffing the railway, they emphasize. Karamanlis will speak when the New Democracy proposal is debated alongside those from PASOK and one initiated by Maria Karystianou, president of the Victims of Tempi Association, who gathered 32 signatures. The proposal, to be announced today in the plenary session of Parliament, is supported by Greek Solution, Victory, Freedom Voyage, and MPs aligned with the Democracy Movement.