At 1 p.m. Monday, the Greek Parliament’s Ethics Committee is set to convene to examine whether to lift the immunity of New Democracy MPs Charalampos Athanasiou and Tasos Chatzivasileiou, following a case file submitted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in connection with the OPEKEPE scandal – Greece’s agricultural payments agency, currently under investigation for alleged misuse of EU funds.
Before the Easter holidays, the same committee had already met and unanimously recommended lifting the immunity of 11 New Democracy MPs, a move those MPs themselves had requested.
Tasos Chatzivasileiou is expected to submit a written memorandum to the committee outlining his position. Speaking to To Vima, he stressed that “I am requesting the immediate lifting of my immunity so that an act that never took place can be investigated,” adding that “I asked for the lifting of my immunity from the very first moment I read the legal document sent to Parliament.”
In contrast, Charalambos Athanasiou has kept his intentions closely guarded. He has not disclosed to colleagues whether he will submit a memorandum or attend the session in person. Nor has he revealed what he will request from fellow MPs, stating only that “the situation will become clear during the session.” Some do not rule out the possibility that he may break ranks with his party colleagues and instead ask for his immunity not to be lifted.
The atmosphere within New Democracy’s parliamentary group is increasingly tense ahead of Wednesday’s critical vote. A number of MPs are reportedly considering either abstaining or voting against lifting their colleagues’ immunity. According to information from To Vima, party discipline will not be enforced, and MPs will be free to vote according to their conscience.
The issue has also sparked internal debate. Some lawmakers—most notably Adonis Georgiadis—have voiced criticism of the European institution behind the investigation. Meanwhile, Makis Voridis has publicly admitted that he is grappling with a dilemma over whether to support the lifting of immunity.
Others, however, have taken a clearer stance. For instance, New Democracy parliamentary representative Dimitris Markopoulos stated in an interview with Greece’s public broadcaster ERT that he will vote in favor of lifting immunity.
