On January 21, the Parliament’s plenary session will discuss the establishment of a cross-party committee on agricultural issues, following a proposal made by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the state budget debate. Despite the fact that the proposal for establishing the cross-party committee was not accepted by majority as it was voted down by the Communist Party (KKE), a relevant discussion must be held in the plenary session.
Nikitas Kaklamanis’ proposal for the parliamentary debate on agricultural issues
During the Conference of Presidents, Nikitas Kaklamanis proposed that the debate should start at 9 AM and conclude at 6 PM. Regarding speaking time, Kaklamanis’ proposal was for ten minutes in the first round, during which the eight parliamentary groups and one independent MP would be represented. Subsequently, he proposed to keep the list open until the second speaker completes their statement, in order to create a unified list with five minutes of speaking time.
Parliamentary group leaders have the opportunity to intervene in the discussion. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will speak for 20 minutes and the other leaders for 15 minutes. The relevant minister is expected to speak for 18 minutes. Parliamentary representatives can intervene up to three times for twelve, six and three minutes respectively. In case the parliamentary group president has spoken previously, they will be limited to the time allocated for second and third interventions.
Who is expected to chair the cross-party committee
The position of chairman of the cross-party committee is intended for Phthiotis MP Giannis Oikonomou, who comes from a predominantly agricultural constituency, while the positions of vice-chairman and secretary will be filled by PASOK and SYRIZA MPs respectively.
The session will conclude with second speeches by the speakers who will have five minutes at their disposal, during which the parliamentary groups’ positions on establishing the cross-party committee will be formulated.
