Supreme Court Prosecutor Efterpi Koutzamani is conducting a preliminary investigation into statements made by main opposition Coalition of the Left SYRIZA spokesperson Panos Skourletis that accuse the government of having a “bribery fund for deputies and businessmen.” Mr. Skourletis, in an interview with “Kontra News”, claimed that the government has  set up a mechanism to buy off votes in the upcoming presidential elections in March.

Sources state that Prime Minister Antonis Samaras became furious at the allegations and is likely to issue a response to the suggestions that were made by Mr. Skourletis. “I call on  (SYRIZA party leader Alexis) Tsipras to instantly substantiate his allegations and claims with names and proof. If not, then he is clearly a destabilizing factor and on the subversive side instigating political anomaly in these critical moments for our country,” said Mr. Samaras.

“We hope the belated investigation will shed light into this case. We want the prime minister to assist the judicial procedure so that this case is clarified,” SYRIZA responded in a statement.