The hour of immunity waiver and referral to regular justice has arrived for the 13 members of parliament from New Democracy whose names (either their own or close associates) appear in conversations with the former president of OPEKEPE in the second and third case files of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The public disagreements of several MPs in recent days on the issue of voting in favor of lifting immunity for all 13 rang alarm bells early at the Maximos Mansion, which moved to limit abstentions and negative votes. Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Parliamentary Group Secretary General Maximos Charakopoulos, close aide to the Prime Minister Thanasis Nezis, and Director of the Prime Minister’s Office in Parliament Michalis Bekiris spoke with a number of “blue” MPs over the last 48 hours.
“It is respect for what the MPs themselves have requested for themselves, and what they have asked for is to have their immunity lifted, not because they believe they are guilty, but to prove their innocence,” government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis declared Tuesday speaking on Parapolitika 90.1, articulating an argument that is the main one being used to convince MPs who are reserving their vote today. The government spokesperson also clarified that there is no issue of party discipline or any sanctions for a potentially non-positive vote on immunity waiver. In conversations with potential “rebel” MPs, what is pointed out to them is that in several cases among the 13, it is obvious that there is no issue, however they must have the opportunity to prove it before justice and leave no shadow over this matter.
“We are not talking about illegal acts, but about expressing interest in a request from a fellow citizen. We will not ban someone from taking a phone call or sending a message,” said Stelios Petsas (on SKAI), who declared he would abstain from today’s vote, which will begin at 12 noon with speeches from all 13 MPs followed by ND parliamentary spokesperson Dimitris Markopoulos and representatives of opposition parties.
“I decided to vote for immunity waiver, although I believe they did nothing wrong and furthermore that their actions are the definition of parliamentary immunity,” Adonis Georgiadis wrote late last night on Facebook, explaining he would vote for one reason: “because they themselves request it and it is difficult for me when they themselves say they want every shadow removed from them, for me to tell them no.”
At the same time, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will announce new support measures for 2026 worth 500 million euros, resulting from the 2025 surplus, which will then be detailed by Pierrakakis, Petralia and Kotsiras – in an obvious symbolic and political message that the government continues its work and support for those most in need. The Prime Minister will also send the message of political and fiscal stability as a necessary element of a healthy economy and sustainable development – a message aimed at reaching inside Parliament in today’s situation.
Regarding what is expected to be heard from the opposition, the government particularly focuses on the accusation attributed for a majority of defendants, something it categorically rejects. “97 immunities have been lifted for MPs of all parties, and proportionally there are far fewer of our MPs relative to our electoral percentage and correlations in Parliament. I don’t remember anyone saying there was an issue of a Parliament of defendants or controlled ones in any of the other cases,” Mr. Marinakis said in the same interview.
