Greek Lawmakers Launch OPEKEPE Subsidies Scandal Probe
Lawmakers will commence an investigation into the long-running OPEKEPE agricultural subsidies scandal, starting this Monday afternoon. The committee, dominated by members of the ruling New Democracy party, will meet thrice weekly to probe allegations of illegal subsidy schemes involving parliamentarians from both ruling and opposition parties.
The prime minister has acknowledged past investigative committees' ineffectiveness, raising concerns about this inquiry's success. The opposition has also cast doubt on the majority's commitment to a thorough investigation. The committee's first session will focus on electing leadership, with an initial three-month deadline to submit findings.
Previous committee practices have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the inquiry. New criminal cases potentially implicating parliamentarians are pending, and immunity waiver procedures may be required for lawmakers from both sides. Specific names of those involved in the OPEKEPE scandal and requiring possible immunity waiver are not yet publicly confirmed.
The investigation committee will begin its work, aiming to shed light on the OPEKEPE agricultural subsidies scandal spanning from 1998 to the present. With a three-month deadline and potential immunity waivers on the horizon, the committee's findings could have significant implications for Greek politics.
