The ruling New Democracy party is demanding that Giorgos Xyloyris, also known as “Frapes,” be summoned again to appear before Parliament’s investigative committee examining the OPEKEPE agricultural payments scandal, while the opposition has requested his forced appearance. A joint request was filed by SYRIZA and New Left parties.
Speaking for New Democracy, Makarios Lazaridis emphasized that the parliamentary majority is requesting Giorgos Xyloyris be summoned again immediately, particularly following yesterday’s testimony from the resigned secretary of PASOK’s Heraklion prefectural committee. The aim is for Xyloyris to testify about what he knows regarding “Lambros Antonopoulos and the broader PASOK system.” “Let me be clear: If Mr. Xyloyris does not appear again, in addition to being referred once more by our committee to the competent prosecutor and Greek justice system for institutional review of his failure to appear before our committee, the governing majority reserves the right to take further steps, with forced appearance being the most significant option remaining,” he stressed.
OPEKEPE scandal: Strong PASOK reaction over “Frapes” case
PASOK rapporteur Milena Apostolaki reacted strongly, emphasizing that “There is no PASOK system in OPEKEPE. All this is a desperate lifeline.” Apostolaki responded by noting that “we are tremendously surprised by New Democracy’s change of stance – it appears they only have sensitivities regarding the alleged connection between Giorgos Xyloyris and the PASOK system.” She reiterated that PASOK supports the forced appearance of Xyloyris, while committee chairman Andreas Nikolakopoulos stated that “it is everyone’s common will for the witness to appear. Following the majority’s position, the presidency will work to ensure Mr. Xyloyris comes and testifies.”
“How will he come now when he didn’t come before? Why aren’t you requesting his forced appearance now? Why are we being fooled?” Milena Apostolaki commented sarcastically.
