The Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has provided clarifications following findings from the National Transparency Authority concerning irregular approvals of social solidarity benefits. The Ministry highlighted that the audit which led to these discoveries commenced in November 2023, ordered by the management of the Organization for the Provision of Social Solidarity (OPEKA). Reports submitted on November 13 and 16, 2023, indicated anomalies in the processing of applications for benefits intended for uninsured elderly individuals, revealing unregistered files and handwritten applications that had not been recorded properly.

Following these reports, internal auditing was mandated by OPEKA's Internal Audit Division on December 13, 2023. This investigation extended to cover the entire period of 2020 to 2022, and it was aimed at scrutinizing the discrepancies identified earlier. Early findings from this extensive review suggested serious deviations from the standard procedures, raising concerns about the management of social benefits in the past years, underscoring the need for improved oversight and accountability in the welfare system.

This situation highlights the importance of institutional transparency and the safeguarding of public resources, especially in welfare programs essential for vulnerable populations. The implications of these findings may lead to increased scrutiny and potential reforms within OPEKA and the broader social assistance framework in Greece, aiming to restore public trust and ensure that assistance reaches those in genuine need.