Evangelos Simandrakos, the former president of Greece’s agricultural payment agency OPEKEPE, testified in court that he resigned due to severe pressures imposed by ex-Minister Lefteris Avgenakis. He claimed that during his 18-month leadership, he faced ongoing media scrutiny and inappropriate pressures that undermined his work and personal integrity. Simandrakos highlighted that these pressures escalated as he approached a crucial payment period for agricultural payments, including those for restricted tax numbers that were due to receive advances in October 2023.

In his testimony, Simandrakos revealed he frequently received phone calls from close associates of Avgenakis, who were aggressively inquiring about the release of restricted tax numbers and specific names they were interested in. He described the nature of the inquiries as bothersome and indicative of attempts to manipulate the payment process favorably for certain beneficiaries. This alarming revelation raises questions about the integrity of agricultural payment systems and the potential misuse of political influence over administrative processes in Greece.

This incident is part of a larger narrative surrounding the political pressure in Greece's agricultural sector, which has come under scrutiny for its transparency and governance. The allegations could have broader implications not only for Avgenakis's political career but also for the public's trust in administrative institutions, particularly in terms of their independence and the role of political figures in influencing important financial transactions.