Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declined to directly address in Parliament a court ruling that could mark a turning point in Greece’s long-running Predator wiretapping scandal, a case that has raised profound questions about state power, institutional accountability and the resilience of democratic safeguards. As opposition leader Nikos Androulakis hailed the decision as a watershed for the rule of law, the prime minister stopped short of engaging with the substance of the judgment that has reopened scrutiny of one of the most politically damaging controversies of his tenure.
The clash unfolded during a debate formally centered on energy policy and rising prices, but it quickly shifted when Androulakis, leader of PASOK, invoked the judicial ruling and revisited allegations surrounding his surveillance through the Predator spyware.
Court Ruling Reignites Wiretapping Debate
At the center of the dispute is a decision by a single-member misdemeanor court that convicted four private individuals in connection with illegal surveillance activities linked to the Predator spyware scandal. The court also referred the case file to prosecutors to reopen the investigation, this time at the felony level, including possible espionage charges.
Androulakis called the ruling “a historic judicial decision” that vindicates not only him personally, but “all those who stood with integrity and democratic responsibility against dangerous and dark practices.”
He rejected previous claims that his surveillance had been a mistake, arguing instead that it was part of an “organized para-state mechanism” that violated human rights, undermined the rule of law and exposed Greece internationally.
“The decision is a major defeat for the para-state organized at the Maximos Mansion under your premiership,” Androulakis said, referring to the prime minister’s office. He accused the government of responding to the ruling with arrogance rather than accountability.
Mitsotakis Defers Response
In his initial response, Mitsotakis noted that Androulakis had formally submitted a question concerning government energy policy but devoted only six minutes of his speech to the topic. He said he would address the surveillance issue in his closing remarks.
During his second speech, however, the prime minister focused extensively on inflation and energy measures. In the final minute, he briefly responded to Androulakis’ criticism, announcing that the ruling New Democracy partys would accept PASOK’s announced proposal for a parliamentary debate on the rule of law, once it is formally submitted.
Mitsotakis did not comment on the court’s conviction of the four private individuals, nor on the referral of the case for further investigation.
Calls for New Parliamentary Inquiry
Androulakis signaled that PASOK will seek a new parliamentary investigative committee into the wiretapping affair. He alleged that members of the ruling party had previously violated their oath by organizing what he described as a “parody” inquiry, with staged questions tailored to protect those responsible.
“The investigative committee will take place so that those who hid from their responsibilities can finally appear,” he said.
The PASOK leader also challenged the prime minister over the broader implications of the case, including references in the court proceedings to potential espionage.
“You say the decision does not concern you because it αφορά ‘some private individuals,’” Androulakis said. “Private individuals who were convicted because they trapped half your Cabinet and the chiefs of the armed forces.”
He questioned what legal steps the Greek government would take against those convicted, noting that some are reportedly residents of third countries.
