Just as the government was basking in a rare positive moment – its handling of the Middle East crisis having enhanced its crisis-management credentials – the prime minister’s office has been plunged back into turmoil after the European Public Prosecutor’s Office forwarded a new case file linked to agricultural subsidies agency OPEКEPE, requesting the lifting of immunity for 11 sitting lawmakers.
Two additional individuals fall under ministerial responsibility laws, while five former lawmakers face direct prosecution without any immunity proceedings required. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis sought to project calm.
“Today’s announcement by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office constitutes a serious development,” he said. “We await the transfer of the case file to the Greek parliament so that each case can be evaluated separately.”
Behind the scenes, officials are already war-gaming multiple scenarios. A cabinet reshuffle, possibly by Monday, is now considered highly likely, particularly given that current ministers implicated in the file could not credibly remain in post.
Three sitting government members, two ministers and a deputy minister, are under scrutiny for conduct during their time as ordinary MPs.
Government sources described most implicated figures as representing “the old New Democracy,” signaling a potential broader purge.
Snap elections, however, were flatly ruled out. Going to the polls mid-crisis, sources said, would signal “panic and defeatism.”