Socrates Famellos, the president of the opposition party SYRIZA-PS, emphasized the essential need for a strong state that fosters healthy competition as a fundamental aspect of the rule of law and democracy. His comments came after a meeting with Androniki Theotokatou, the president of the Independent Authority for Public Procurement. Famellos expressed concerns over the increasing allegations and revelations regarding direct assignments in public contracts, suggesting that specific rules and adequate staffing within state bodies are necessary to secure transparency and promote fair competition.

During the meeting, Famellos raised significant issues related to the high volume of direct assignments, the large number of contracts awarded without competitive bidding, and the exclusion of small and medium enterprises from the resources of the Recovery Fund. He pointed out that these practices limit competition and primarily benefit a restricted number of contractors, questioning the current government's commitment to fostering a fair and transparent procurement process. Famellos's statements signal a call for political change to strengthen institutions and ensure accountability within the public sector.

This issue highlights a growing concern among opposition parties in Greece regarding government transparency and fairness in public procurement, where direct assignments have become a contentious topic. Famellos's remarks also reflect broader discussions on the need for regulatory reforms to enhance public sector integrity. The effectiveness of the existing competition framework has been called into question, raising the possibility of political ramifications if these issues remain unaddressed in the upcoming elections.