MP Zeybek harshly criticizes the Government
Hüseyin Zeybek, an MP from Xanthi and the Agricultural Sector Representative of the New Left Party, has strongly criticized the government's agricultural policies in a speech at the parliament.
Discussing the new agricultural bill, Zeybek accused the New Democracy government of having inadequate and unplanned policies for the sector. He stated that rising costs, declining incomes, and lack of oversight were pushing agriculture to collapse. He also highlighted corruption scandals within OPEKEPE, Greece's Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid.
Zeybek warned that livestock farming was on the verge of extinction, with farmers struggling against increasing costs and low incomes. He accused the government of favoring corporate interests over farmers, arguing that the sector was being handed over to private companies, effectively turning farmers into mere agricultural workers.
Zeybek pointed out that Greece was breaking negative records in agriculture within the European Union. He emphasized that in 2023, Greece experienced the largest drop in agricultural production among EU countries (-16%) and had the highest price discrepancies from farm to shelf. Meanwhile, middlemen and traders were profiting immensely, he said.
"If you genuinely intended to support the agricultural economy, you would have taken measures to reduce production costs. You would have implemented discounted electricity, tax-free diesel, and lifted the cap on the Special Consumption Tax refund on fuel," Zeybek stated.
Referring to the livestock sector, Zeybek revealed that over 70,000 animals had perished in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with 20,000 losses in the Xanthi region alone. He criticized the government's lack of oversight in handling animal diseases and noted that De minimis payments for feed support had not yet been provided, while Sub-Measure 5.2 and the "Amaltheia" program remained inactive.
Zeybek also pointed to fraud in OPEKEPE's agricultural subsidies, citing reports from internationally reputable media outlets. He claimed that farmers were forced to return €50 million due to government errors, while the European Commission was considering a €280 million fine against OPEKEPE.
Despite repeated promises since 2019, the government had failed to reform the ELGA (Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization) regulations, Zeybek stated. He also criticized the cancellation of the 2025-2028 expanded national hail protection program due to what he called government incompetence and lack of planning.
"You have no real concerns about the agricultural sector. You only care about political interests and financial gains. After the Daniel disaster in Thessaly, instead of supporting farmers, you handed everything over to a Dutch company to chase profits," Zeybek remarked.
He further criticized the proposed agricultural credit debt restructuring, arguing that it only benefited specific types of loans, allowing certain companies to take advantage of the scheme. He also denounced the transfer of loan management rights to private liquidators, accusing the government of leaving farmers and cooperatives vulnerable to foreclosures and debt collection orders.
Regarding pastureland management plans (Articles 11 and 12 of the bill), Zeybek accused the government of six years of criminal negligence, allowing unjust occupation of pastures for subsidy fraud to become the norm rather than the exception.
Zeybek concluded by agreeing with the emergency aid package for veterinarians involved in fighting animal diseases. However, he urged the inclusion of agricultural engineers working under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. He also called for all those involved in combating sheep pox and foot-and-mouth disease to receive financial support.
