The countdown has begun for the revelation of those who received massive subsidies from OPEKEPE for fake pastures and non-existent herds, while the political climate remains explosive. The partner of New Democracy MP Kalliopi Semertzidou, who found himself at the center of media attention and scrutiny by the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, spoke to Star TV, responding to questions about the subsidies they received and the luxury cars that caused a sensation.
“I am completely clean, both myself and my family. I have been audited by OPEKEPE more than 11 times and I was cleared all 11 times,” states Christos Mageirias.
OPEKEPE: “The €1.4 million is real, we’re not hiding it”
Regarding the approximately €1.4 million, he responds: “This is reality, we’re not hiding it. I received €620,000, my partner €96,000 and my mother €890,000, who has over 500 head of cattle as livestock capital… The luxury cars don’t belong to my partner… Imagine that I’ve had the Ferrari since 2004 and I bought the Porsche used in 2016, which my income fully justifies, when you understand that just in 6 years the subsidies are this much, my turnover is several million, as reflected in all my tax returns.”
Under the “microscope” of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority: Kalliopi Semertzidou
Against the backdrop of investigations launched by the Anti-Money Laundering Authority into 10 individuals who received large subsidies from OPEKEPE, Kalliopi Semertzidou’s partner responds that everything is “clean.”
Christos Mageirias maintains that he and Kalliopi Semertzidou have been targeted for political reasons. Hence her resignation.
“So she can have an ironclad argument, not hide behind something political, moving politically while everyone thinks ‘now she’s going to cover for the government and Mr. Mitsotakis,'” her partner states about the resignation.
Thessaly farmers outraged, demand compensation for foot-and-mouth disease and natural disasters
Meanwhile, livestock farmers in Thessaly, who have not yet been compensated for Storm Daniel and foot-and-mouth disease, are outraged by what they see coming to light.
The opposition, for its part, is preparing to return to its proposal for establishing a Parliamentary Investigative Committee, while POLITICO refers to the scandal in a front-page article titled: “Greek PM Mitsotakis blocks probe into ministers over massive EU farm fund fraud.”
