Eleven members of Greece’s ruling New Democracy party have requested the lifting of their parliamentary immunity as part of an ongoing parliamentary review linked to a series of case files involving the country’s agricultural payments agency, OPEKEPE.

The issue is currently being examined by the Special Committee on Parliamentary Ethics according to parliamentary sources, with nine of the lawmakers submitting written statements outlining their positions, while two appeared in person before the committee.

Written explanations submitted by MPs

In their submitted memoranda, several MPs firmly reject any wrongdoing and request that their legal immunity be lifted in order to fully clear their names.

Former minister Kostas Karamanlis stated that he welcomes the lifting of immunity, insisting he is innocent and wishes to prove it in the appropriate legal forum. He also denied any involvement in the alleged communications referenced in the case.

MP Konstantinos Skrekas similarly supported lifting immunity, arguing it is necessary to safeguard institutional transparency and his personal credibility. He said that his remarks in any recorded exchanges were misinterpreted and did not constitute unlawful guidance or intent.

Dimitrios Vartzopoulos argued that the material attributed to him reflects a simple question within his parliamentary duties and does not involve any illegal action affecting national or EU funds.

Maximos Senetakis rejected allegations of moral complicity, stating that all of his actions were strictly within the scope of parliamentary responsibilities and requesting that his immunity be lifted.

Lakis Vassiliadis noted that his name appears only indirectly through third-party communications, stressing that he has had no direct involvement with any of the individuals under investigation.

Theofilos Leontaridis stated that the communications in question relate solely to efforts to expedite legitimate payments owed to a farmer, providing a detailed explanation of his involvement.

Requests for prosecution and public statements

MP Christos Boukoros asked for permission for prosecution proceedings to be initiated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, saying his communication with the head of OPEKEPE concerned a legitimate request from young livestock farmers.

Separately, MP Konstantinos Tsiaras stated that his appearance before the committee allowed him to fully present his position and contribute to clarifying the case. He confirmed that he has also requested the lifting of his immunity, saying he did so for reasons of personal integrity and to ensure the matter is resolved without delay.

He added that the case relates to a lawful request from a vulnerable citizen affected by a major weather disaster in central Greece.

The parliamentary process is ongoing as the Ethics Committee continues its review of the case files.