New Democracy MP Kostas Karamanlis spoke at the Greek Parliament about his alleged involvement in the OPEKEPE scandal, amid an impending vote to lift immunity over several ND MPs named in the case.
The scandal concerns the illegal subsidies of €224,000 granted to 37 organic farmers, delivered a charged statement in his defense.
Karamanlis is facing a felony charge in connection with these subsidies, as the amount allegedly disbursed to the 37 farmers exceeds €120,000.
According to case file documents, an associate of Mr. Karamanlis allegedly conveyed a request to him during the period he served as Minister of Rural Development.
“The matter in question concerns the rejection, on procedural grounds, of applications by 37 organic farmers who met all the substantive conditions for receiving support,” he explained, adding that “this payment was made after following the legally prescribed procedure of hierarchical appeal.”
Speaking from the parliamentary podium in an emotionally charged tone, Mr. Kostas Ach. Karamanlis stated: “No conversation of mine or of my associates is recorded anywhere.”
“I am innocent and I will prove my innocence wherever I am called to do so,” he stressed.
Also under scrutiny in the same scandal are 12 more New Democracy MPs, whose immunity from prosecution is likewise being considered for lifting.
