SYRIZA accuses New Democracy of financial irregularities over ‘Truth Team’

Left-wing party SYRIZA has accused the ruling New Democracy of violating party financing laws over its ties to the controversial pro-government social media platform known as the “Truth Team” (Omada Alithias).

The allegations follow a report in the newspaper Dimokratia, which claims that key figures involved in the Truth Team were officially employed by New Democracy and placed on its payroll before being shifted to alternate employment arrangements.

In a statement, SYRIZA said: “Today’s revelation by Dimokratia that founders and members of the Truth Team were employees of New Democracy and on the party’s payroll before being ‘transferred’ along with their team, shatters the claims made by the government spokesperson.”

The party further alleges that triangular transactions and fictitious contracts were used to hide direct financial ties between the ruling party and its communications team. “It is now even clearer that New Democracy has violated laws on party financing,” SYRIZA added, calling for a comprehensive investigation.

These latest claims echo earlier reports from April, when Inside Story revealed that several members of the Truth Team had previously been employed by Blue Skies, a private media company with alleged links to New Democracy’s central communication operations.

At the time, the government denied any official connection, stating that the individuals were private employees acting independently of the party. Despite this, the Truth Team has become a prominent online presence in defending and promoting government policies.

While PASOK now holds the role of main opposition, SYRIZA’s accusations add to mounting scrutiny of New Democracy’s use of digital platforms and public funding.

The government has not yet responded to the latest allegations.