Greece’s Parliament is opening its first official inquiry on Monday into the long-running scandal at OPEKEPE, the agency responsible for managing farming subsidies. The special investigative committee will examine alleged mismanagement stretching back to 1998, in a process expected to fuel heated political debate.
The committee, convening at noon under the invitation of Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, includes MPs from across the political spectrum: 17 from the ruling New Democracy party, 4 from PASOK, 3 from SYRIZA, 2 from the Communist Party, and one each from smaller parties and independents. Some insiders suggest additional figures may make appearances despite not being formally invited, hinting at possible surprises in the opening session.
Early political battles
Tensions are anticipated from the outset. Opposition MPs are pushing for the investigation to begin with the most recent period and move backwards, while the government majority insists on starting from earlier years and working forward — a key procedural dispute that could shape the inquiry’s outcome.
The committee’s leadership is also being decided at Monday’s session, with the ruling party promoting Andreas Nikolopoulos as chair, Maria Syrengela as vice-chair, and Ioanna Lytrivi as secretary. Party representatives will include Makarios Lazaridis (New Democracy), Milena Apostolaki (PASOK), Vassilis Kokkalis (SYRIZA), and Nikos Karathanasopoulos (Communist Party).
Three sessions a week
According to parliamentary scheduling, the committee will meet three times per week over the next three months, with the possibility of extension if needed.
The government aims to broaden responsibility for OPEKEPE’s financial mismanagement, highlighting failures not only during its own tenure but also under previous administrations. However, this strategy may face complications: a new case file from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is expected to reach Parliament soon, reportedly implicating additional MPs from the governing party.
