Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis engaged in a heated confrontation in Parliament following the submission of a proposal to establish an investigative committee for OPEKEPE. Responding to Nikos Androulakis, who launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that “we haven’t succeeded on the OPEKEPE issue. Honestly, openly and sincerely. Along with OSE, these are two areas where we haven’t managed to succeed.”
Hatzidakis: “You absolve us when you speak like you’re from another planet”
“You are an opposition – sponsored by New Democracy. You absolve us when you speak like you’re from another planet,” Kostis Hatzidakis also stated, denouncing that PASOK and SYRIZA never assumed the slightest responsibility for agricultural subsidies.
“Will you take responsibility for your actions? Was there the video of Theodoros Pangalos in Crete saying we would have a discussion among thieves? Were heavy fines imposed during your tenure? Under SYRIZA, was everything perfect and angelically crafted? You wag your finger indignantly, perhaps you’ve become indignant with yourselves somehow? Are you spotless and untainted?” Kostis Hatzidakis persistently asked. He then argued that the government assumed its responsibilities and has an action plan, proceeding with the complete absorption of OPEKEPE by AADE, as well as investigating all tax numbers “so that every schemer sits on their bench.”
Subsequently, he targeted PASOK, stating there was procrastination in submitting the preliminary investigation request, commenting that even SYRIZA overtook the main opposition party despite having to coordinate previously with New Left.
Responding to him, Nikos Androulakis characterized the arguments about delay in submitting the preliminary investigation request as “ridiculous.” “Say ‘yes’ to our preliminary investigation and we will consent to an investigative committee even from… Kapodistrias’ time to learn who stole the potatoes,” he commented.
“You came to tell us how to do opposition, how eloquent Mr. Hatzidakis. Leave quickly to see what an honest government really looks like. The audacity to give us opposition lessons and appear as an accuser instead of defendant,” the PASOK leader emphasized meaningfully and called on the Deputy Prime Minister to “leave the people who have passed away,” insisting in any case on criticism regarding cover-up.
The confrontation continued with the Deputy Prime Minister stating that if it’s proven there are sufficient indications of criminal responsibilities by ministers, these will be pursued. Moreover, escalating his attack on the main opposition, he commented that “you are angels… You are absolutely innocent. You knew nothing about the ‘overwritings,’ you had heard nothing. You were probably herding sheep somewhere else…”
“The descriptions are not PASOK’s invention, it’s stated in the case file. I insist, vote for our preliminary investigation, and we will consent so we can reach even the potatoes from Peru that came during Kapodistrias’ time!” was Nikos Androulakis’ response. “We’ve been talking here for so long. I didn’t hear you say ‘yes, we have responsibilities.’ You are the party of the innocent. Bravo and to greater heights,” Kostis Hatzidakis persisted.
Sharp confrontation also over the “14”
At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister commented on PASOK’s stance in the discussion of lifting immunity for the 14 “blue” members who participated in the Triantapoulos preliminary investigation.
“What on earth got into you Mr. Androulakis and you voted like that? For a party like Golden Dawn to vote that way I understand. Don’t search afterwards for why you don’t have credibility with public opinion, you undermine it every day,” he commented meaningfully.
Subsequently, he spoke about PASOK’s “gaffes,” with “present” votes both on immunity lifting and the Pleuris amendment, telling Nikos Androulakis that “your little heart knows I’m telling the truth. All of Greece and your officials are discussing that you’re losing your way.”
“Golden Dawn is PASOK Mr. Hatzidakis? You are voted by the remnants of Golden Dawn in Parliament,” Nikos Androulakis stated from his side and hastened to explain that with “present” votes, PASOK sent a message that there’s a difference between a deputy’s freedom of opinion and “the leader making his deputies trample the Constitution.”
