“There are no charges, there are no elements for this entire process regarding the establishment of a preliminary investigation committee for criminal acts either for Mr. Voridis or for me,” stated Lefteris Avgenakis on Parapolitika 90.1 radio show “Summer Together” with Penny Avramidi. “This entire process of the two proposals for establishing a preliminary investigation by both PASOK and SYRIZA-New Left was legally flawed from the beginning,” commented the former Minister of Rural Development.
Regarding the establishment of the preliminary investigation committee, Lefteris Avgenakis emphasized: “Mr. Mantzouranís stated in the clearest way that there are no charges, there are no elements for this entire process regarding the establishment of a preliminary investigation committee for criminal acts either for Mr. Voridis or for me. These were stated through Mr. Mantzouranís.” When asked why New Democracy MPs didn’t go to vote down the two proposals collectively, the former minister stressed: “We are trivializing and somewhat underestimating a process and above all the dignity of two former ministers.”
“Legally flawed proposals”
“I also heard this: ‘why didn’t you go to a preliminary investigation to clear the charges against you.’ What does it mean that establishing a preliminary investigation with a specific ‘indictment’ is a whitewashing process! This entire process of the two proposals for establishing a preliminary investigation by both PASOK and SYRIZA-New Left was legally flawed from the beginning,” he added.
Lefteris Avgenakis then said: “One only needs to remember that during the two-day discussion in Parliament, both on the first day when New Democracy’s proposal for establishing an investigative committee was discussed and voted on, and on the second day when the opposition that had submitted the proposals for preliminary investigation committees discussed and eventually withdrew – speaking for myself – were any arguments or evidence heard against me? No, so we’re discussing a charge that was ‘leaking’ from the beginning, had problems, couldn’t stand. It was a legal construct with much theory, speculation, scenarios, and naturally proposals that couldn’t legally stand, hence Mr. Mantzouranís’ statement.”
“PASOK has a dominant role in OPEKEPE’s distorted course”
Regarding PASOK’s announcement that it will submit a new request, he emphasized: “PASOK will do what it deems fit and as it thinks it can move, but let’s not forget that PASOK has a dominant role in the distorted course that OPEKEPE followed from its establishment until today. This doesn’t mean New Democracy has no responsibility – quite the opposite, as we heard through the Prime Minister’s mouth that he assumes political responsibility for this entire period during his governmental term when these things happened at OPEKEPE. However, PASOK is not without blame. Therefore, more modesty, more interest, and more concern for people in the primary sector wouldn’t hurt, and I’m referring to PASOK. When through these discussions, with the tension and provocation that PASOK created, it weakens our country itself, as at the same time we’re discussing the OPEKEPE issue here, discussions and negotiations are taking place at Brussels level for the next CAP funds. It certainly affects and weakens our country’s negotiating position.”
He also emphasized: “Our country is not the only country facing such problems. I remind you that speaking in Parliament, I also submitted the European Commission’s 2022 report that explained a series of reasons why CAPs have issues and problems throughout European territory, meaning many member states have presented and present problems in this report. This isn’t the first case – the European prosecutor has opened 2,666 cases in 24 member states, of which only 8% have proceeded to indictment and courtrooms. Nevertheless, regarding this specific issue, there are problems, there are distortions, mechanisms should have been strengthened, there should be greater transparency and more protection for the legitimate and hard-working person in the primary sector. Did this happen? No, apparently not to the extent necessary. Were these created during Voridis and Avgenakis’ time? Certainly not – all these issues have roots and are cross-party.”
Asked if there’s a possibility that Greek farmers might lose CAP money due to the OPEKEPE case, he commented: “Certainly our country’s image at Brussels level doesn’t remain unaffected during a period when negotiations for the next CAP are taking place.”
