Opposition parties call for early elections amid subsidy scandal
Greece’s main opposition parties have intensified calls for early elections following a widening farm subsidy scandal that has already triggered cabinet resignations and a government reshuffle.
PASOK accused the ruling New Democracy government of widespread corruption after three ministers were replaced over their alleged involvement in the case.
The resignations came after an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into the handling of European Union farm subsidies. The findings were forwarded to the Greek Parliament, further escalating political tensions.
PASOK spokesman Costas Tsoukalas argued that the cabinet reshuffle was effectively imposed by European investigators rather than decided by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“No reshuffle can save a government under judicial investigation,” Tsoukalas said, insisting that early elections are the only solution.
According to the investigation files, at least 13 lawmakers from New Democracy have been implicated, raising pressure on the government, which holds a slim majority in the 300-seat parliament.
SYRIZA called for snap election
Meanwhile, the left-wing opposition party SYRIZA also called for snap elections. Party spokesman Kostas Zachariadis said the cabinet changes were insufficient and placed direct responsibility on Mitsotakis.
“The political responsibility for the scandals and corruption lies with the prime minister,” Zachariadis said, adding that the solution should come “through the ballot box.”
Greece’s next general election is currently scheduled for next year, but mounting political pressure is increasing speculation about a possible early vote.
