A potential “blue rebellion” is looming in Greece’s Parliament this Wednesday, as lawmakers prepare to vote on lifting the parliamentary immunity of 13 MPs from the ruling New Democracy party. The vote stems from a case file compiled by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) regarding the OPEKEPE scandal—an agency responsible for managing EU agricultural subsidies in Greece.
The scale of dissent within the governing party could be significant. Not one or two, but nearly 60 MPs are reportedly considering breaking ranks, despite a clear call from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urging them to vote in favor of lifting immunity. Notably, the 13 MPs under scrutiny have themselves requested that their immunity be lifted. While the Prime Minister’s office insists there will be no party discipline imposed, pressure is mounting behind the scenes in an effort to prevent defections.
Among the potential rebels are said to be senior figures, possibly even cabinet ministers, who question whether the alleged offenses in some cases meet the legal threshold required to justify lifting immunity. Some have also voiced criticism of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, casting doubt on aspects of the investigation.
Earlier today, Parliament’s Ethics Committee reviewed the pending cases of Charalambos Athanasiou and Tasos Chatzivasileiou. The committee unanimously recommended lifting their immunity, in line with both MPs’ stated wishes—Athanasiou appearing in person, while Chatzivasileiou submitted a written statement.
The upcoming vote is shaping into a key political test for the government, with the OPEKEPE scandal at its center and internal dissent threatening party cohesion.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have intensified their rhetoric, describing the affair as a “blue scandal”—a reference to the ruling party’s color—and placing responsibility squarely on the Prime Minister.
In this charged atmosphere, attention is now turning to the next meeting of New Democracy’s parliamentary group on April 30, where internal divisions are expected to come further into focus.
