The discussion on the OPEKEPE scandal enters its final stage, having dealt a serious blow to the government while also “wounding” PASOK and SYRIZA. Political parties will submit their findings to the presidency of the Parliamentary Investigation Committee today, which will be discussed in the final session to be held the day after tomorrow, Thursday, in room 223 of Parliament.
The following day, February 27, the findings will be delivered to Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, who will be called upon to schedule a special plenary session in Parliament to close the chapter on this case that has dominated political headlines in recent months. All this comes as discussions intensify about when “OPEKEPE 2” will be forwarded to Parliament.
PASOK’s request to extend the OPEKEPE investigation committee’s work
The confrontation will once again reach fever pitch, with a head-on clash between New Democracy and the opposition being inevitable. Last Thursday, PASOK submitted a request to Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis asking for an extension of the Investigation Committee’s work. Kaklamanis declared himself incompetent to decide but stated he would forward the relevant request to the Investigation Committee president, Andreas Nikolakopoulos. So far, two extensions have already been granted. The first was until February 15 and the second until February 27. The Investigation Committee’s work began on September 15, and the first extension was granted on February 3.
Regarding the findings, New Democracy and PASOK will submit their own separate reports, while it remains to be seen what SYRIZA and New Left will do, as there have been discussions about submitting a joint report. What is certain is that both parties maintain their original position, namely conducting a Preliminary Investigation Committee that would target Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis. According to all indications, the Communist Party, Greek Solution, Victory, and Course of Freedom will submit their own separate findings.
The plenary discussion
The final battle between the government and opposition will be fought in the plenary arena, where, according to Parliament Rules, the discussion is conducted through a generalized question procedure involving political leaders, with no vote on the submitted text at the end. Usually the Prime Minister does not speak, while the government is mainly represented by the Justice Minister.
