Zeybek slams Government over OPEKEPE scandal in Greek Parliament
Speaking at the Hellenic Parliament, Zeybek argued that the political responsibility for the scandal lies directly with the ruling New Democracy government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“One of the Biggest Political Scandals in Recent Years”
In his speech, Zeybek said the Greek government has been associated with several scandals in recent years, describing both the OPEKEPE case and the wiretapping scandal as among the most significant events in the country’s recent political history.
He accused the government of attempting to prevent the identification of those responsible since the scandal first emerged. According to Zeybek, efforts were made to clear former ministers Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis of responsibility.
Criticism of Parliamentary Investigation
Zeybek described the work of the parliamentary investigation committee as “embarrassing” for the legislature, claiming that key witnesses were not called to testify and that the investigation was prematurely concluded.
He also suggested that the investigation conducted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office was indirectly undermined.
Sharp Rise in Agricultural Subsidy Beneficiaries
During his speech, Zeybek presented data indicating a sharp increase in certain categories of subsidy beneficiaries after New Democracy came to power in 2019.
According to the figures he cited:
- The number of national reserve beneficiaries in Crete increased sevenfold
- Private pasture declarations increased 15 times
- Private pastures without livestock increased 50 times
- Zeybek argued that these increases were not coincidental but pointed to an organized system of irregularities.
He added that between 2017 and 2020, the total number of national reserve beneficiaries increased by 479%, while in Crete the increase reached 708%.
Allegations of Fraud and Weak Oversight
Zeybek also claimed that inspections conducted by OPEKEPE officials in 2020 identified individuals who had benefited from national reserve subsidies using fake property documents. According to him, those officials were later removed from their positions.
He further argued that the removal of certain oversight mechanisms allowed irregularities to continue.
Call for Further Investigation
Zeybek said that the report he signed calls for the establishment of a preliminary investigation committee regarding former ministers Voridis and Avgenakis on charges related to damage to the financial interests of the European Union.
Referring to data from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Zeybek also claimed that payments continued to be made to certain tax numbers that submitted only animal feed invoices without engaging in actual production activity.
Concluding his speech, the MP emphasized that farmers and producers are struggling under difficult conditions.
“We will not allow this scandal to be covered up,” Zeybek said.
