The Greek Parliament has approved the lifting of immunity for 13 MPs involved in a scandal involving agricultural funds, where the damage caused is estimated at around 23 million euros.
The results showed almost unanimous support for lifting immunity, with 285 to 287 votes “in favor” and only 2 votes “against.”
According to Greek media, at least 10 of the MPs involved voted themselves to lift their immunity.
The MPs, part of the ruling New Democracy party, are mentioned in two new files from the European Prosecutor’s Office, which is investigating the mismanagement of subsidies through the state agency OPEC.
According to investigations, around 20 politicians, including active legislators and former MPs, were involved in the scheme. They are suspected of having intervened in favor of certain beneficiaries, while legal wiretaps show them discussing specific cases of farmers.
All those involved have denied the charges and have themselves requested the lifting of their immunity, stating that they will defend their innocence in court. Some of them have justified the intervention as part of their role as representatives of citizens.
According to Greek authorities, the fraudulent scheme has been operating since 2018 and involves illegally obtaining subsidies through false declarations of land and livestock. In some cases, the beneficiaries had no connection to agriculture.