Greek politician G. Maniatis has raised concerns with the European Commission about the recent administrative changes in OPEKEPE which allegedly involve employees implicated in a scandal over illegal agricultural subsidies.
In a recent inquiry to the European Commission, Giannis Maniatis, the Vice President of the Group of European Socialists and Democrats and head of the PASOK MEPs, expressed alarm over what he termed a 'remarkable and dark turn' in the ongoing OPEKEPE scandal. He criticized the government's recent administrative restructuring of the Organization for Payment and Control of Community Aid (OPEKEPE) under the Independent Authority for Public Revenues (AADE), which has reportedly assigned positions of responsibility to staff members already being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) for their roles in illegal agricultural subsidies. .
Maniatis pointed out the absence of necessary disciplinary or judicial processes to clarify potential responsibilities for these individuals prior to their reassignment within the new OPEKEPE structure. He argued that this lack of due diligence not only raises serious questions about the integrity of the government but also undermines Greece's international credibility. The continued responsibilities of some of these employees, which have even been broadened, particularly aggravate concerns about governance and accountability within the organization.
As the scandal deepens, the implications of these developments extend beyond administrative mishaps, posing risks to Greece's standing within the EU and its ability to effectively manage and oversee agricultural subsidies. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between governmental transparency and accountability, challenging the administration’s narratives of reform and dedication to EU regulations, and raises the stakes for public trust in the government's commitment to combat corruption and mismanagement.
