MP Özgür Ferhat criticizes agricultural payment delays: “We are here to stop this political course”

Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat strongly criticized the significant delays in agricultural subsidy payments by OPEKEPE, the Greek Agricultural Payments and Control Agency. Ferhat pointed out that as of Friday, November 28, 70% of the payments due to farmers had not been deposited into their accounts, accusing the agency of “months of inaction” and being “mired in scandals.”

According to Ferhat, due to OPEKEPE’s administrative failures, only 47% of the intended 70% subsidy payments actually reached farmers’ accounts. He also noted that the funds were blocked by ELGA, the Agricultural Insurance Organization, before disbursement, leaving many farmers with no payments at all, while those who did receive money had to make do with “very small amounts.”

Ferhat emphasized that these delayed and partial payments were insufficient to support farmers’ daily needs or primary agricultural activities, sharply criticizing both the government and the responsible institutions.

“These Scandals Will Not End Without a Change in Government”

Targeting the current political administration, Ferhat said:
"We are here to stop this political course. To change this politics, to reform OPEKEPE, and to put an end to these scandals, the government must change. Those who have not been involved in these scandals, those who have not been entangled in the government’s affairs, are stepping forward to make this change."

He reiterated his support for farmers, producers, and livestock breeders, adding:
"We are very close to the right path. Together with our people, we must implement this change as soon as possible. Once we find the right path, these scandals and the false politics will come to an end."

Ferhat’s statements have resonated widely in the region, highlighting the long-standing crisis in agricultural support and the growing distrust of relevant institutions.