With or without the signatures needed to submit a preliminary committee proposal, SYRIZA will release the text highlighting the individuals who should be investigated for the OPEKEPE scandal. Olga Gerovassili clarified that current evidence does not implicate the Prime Minister in the framework of responsibilities, though she did not rule out that new evidence could emerge during the preliminary investigation. “The party’s tactics will be shaped according to the findings regarding the Prime Minister’s person,” said the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, implying that the decision will be based on evidence that comes to light. Regarding where the signatures will be found, she noted that SYRIZA “can collaborate with New Left and independent MPs” in this effort.
New Left sees no room for agreement with SYRIZA – Accuses Koumoundourou of “haste”
However, so far things don’t look particularly optimistic for potential cooperation with New Left. According to sources, Alexis Charitsis is oriented toward an investigative committee, based on legal opinions he has sought, and also to keep the issue in the spotlight for as long as possible. At Patission Street, they believe that the more time they have, the more new evidence will emerge, which appears will continue to come and highlight all aspects so that it doesn’t lose momentum until September and the Thessaloniki International Fair.
New Left officials are monitoring SYRIZA’s moves and point out that SYRIZA’s haste to decide on a preliminary committee has left no room for agreement. Socrates Famellos characterized the OPEKEPE case as “a scandal of enormous dimensions and a clear scandal of the Mitsotakis government” while announcing that “more is to come” with new revelations that will soon see the light of day. Moreover, he accused the Prime Minister of attempting to diffuse responsibilities, wondering “who is he really talking about” since “in the OPEKEPE scandal only ‘blue’ officials are accused.” According to Mr. Famellos, this compensation is “brazen.” “Clear distortion of electoral results.”
“Cracks” in SYRIZA due to Farandouris
Meanwhile, a Farandouris issue suddenly emerged at Koumoundourou after the SYRIZA MEP appeared yesterday to propose the formation of a special purpose government aimed at cleansing. This view is obviously contrary to that expressed by Socrates Famellos, which states that a preliminary investigation should be conducted followed by elections. Indeed, according to sources, Socrates Famellos called the party’s MEP and told him that what he was saying was off-line.
At the same time, party sources reported that “SYRIZA-PS’s position on the OPEKEPE scandal as formulated by the president, Socrates Famellos and the presidium of the parliamentary group is explicit and clear: Preliminary Committee, government resignation and elections. Any other proposal does not represent SYRIZA Progressive Alliance.” The strange thing, however, is that Nikolas Farandouris appeared a little later with a new post insisting on his view, taking things to extremes.
