The Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesman, Pavlos Marinakis, characterized the government majority’s initiative to establish an Investigation Committee regarding OPEKEPE’s actions since its establishment in 1998 as an institutional move that counters any suspicion of cover-up. In an interview with Alpha Radio 989, he emphasized that the Investigation Committee aims to shed light on critical issues, such as the technical solution, the existence or absence of cross-checks, and regional grazing plans.
Read: New Democracy proposes establishment of Investigation Committee for OPEKEPE, from 1998 to present
When asked about the opposition’s proposals regarding the establishment of a Preliminary Investigation Committee, Mr. Marinakis reiterated that the government does not identify criminal responsibilities for the two former Ministers of Agricultural Development, Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis. He also mentioned that the proposal for the Investigation Committee will be submitted immediately and the process will be completed within the coming weeks.
The government spokesman rejected the opposition’s accusations regarding an attempt to offset responsibilities and stated that the relevant request can be submitted immediately, emphasizing that this move aims to investigate an “open wound” that has cost the country over 2.7 billion euros in the last 30 years.
Marinakis: The government is open to a sober discussion about past mistakes
In conclusion, Marinakis stated that the government is open to a sober discussion about past mistakes but opposes the criminalization of political decisions, which he characterized as “groundless.”
Mr. Marinakis emphasized that the Investigation Committee will operate with transparency and will examine all issues without time constraints, rejecting the opposition’s accusations that they are attempting to translate political decisions into criminal responsibilities.
The government spokesman stressed that the process will include testimonies from dozens of witnesses and noted that the government is committed to respecting the institution, while simultaneously calling on the opposition to avoid instrumentalizing the process.
