Marinakis reaffirmed the government’s determination to pursue even the last euro from the OPEKEPE subsidies that were collected illegally. The Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, accused PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis of sterile opposition tactics.

“We will seek every last euro, exhausting every possible means. The audits will be exhaustive, euro by euro, starting with those who took the most. These funds must be returned through fast-track procedures. The logic is clear: cleansing OPEKEPE and AADE,” Marinakis stressed during a briefing for political journalists.

He also noted that the current government is the only one to have implemented a “coherent agricultural policy, with tax relief for farmers, reduced VAT on fertilizers and animal feed, as well as a refund for agricultural fuel. These measures to support the primary sector are ours and concrete.”

The government spokesperson warned that PASOK’s opposition tactics carry two risks: “the offsetting that theoretically leads to reduced responsibilities and the tendency to forget what country we live in and what has happened.”

“Immediate and exhaustive” investigation
Marinakis referred to yesterday’s announcements by Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the formation of a special audit team for the case. “Its mission is very clear, and results are expected very soon. We will investigate immediately and exhaustively, using all the state’s audit tools, cases of illegal subsidy payments, in order to enable the charging of all unjustly paid amounts to recipients, always in accordance with applicable EU and national law,” he said.

According to Marinakis, government policies are already bearing fruit. “This is not the first racket dismantled under Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government. Notable examples of dismantled rings during our term relate to illegal prescriptions, customs, town planning offices, tax offices, prisons, Municipal Police, anti-fuel smuggling operations, etc.”

Regarding criminal investigations, Marinakis reserved comment, saying the indictments from other parties will be studied first. He also criticized PASOK for accusing the prime minister because he attended a gathering. “Is this the opposition PASOK wants? It is shameful to hear it officially,” he said pointedly.

“Political matters are different from criminal ones”
Asked about possible new resignations, Marinakis said a political assessment has been made. “We are waiting to respond to opposition proposals in Parliament. Patience is needed because political and criminal aspects differ. Not every case is the same. Many indictments come to Parliament daily,” he said. He reiterated the government’s position on changing Article 86 of the Constitution regarding ministers’ criminal responsibilities, but with respect for due process.

He also clarified that Makis Voridis is not involved in any conversations. His resignation, as well as those of three deputy ministers, concerns political and not criminal evaluation.

Asked if a “Triantopoulos model” would be followed with referral to the competent judge, the spokesperson said that procedure serves as a guide, despite opposition contradictions that initially opposed it but now approve it.

He categorically rejected rumors about early elections or the prime minister’s resignation. “Elections will be held in 2027 and citizens will decide,” he said, adding that until then the government will continue to “break abscesses.”

KYSEA meets tomorrow
Marinakis announced that tomorrow, Wednesday (2.7.2025), the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) will meet at Maximos Mansion under the prime minister’s chairmanship.

The meeting will focus on recent developments in the Middle East.

“Mr. Tsipras will not rewrite history”
The government spokesperson was also sharp about former prime minister Alexis Tsipras, who called for the publication of the 2015 political leaders’ council minutes. “No matter how hard he tries, he will not rewrite history. Banks closed, the stock market collapsed, our economy was blown up,” he said, referring to Tsipras’ coalition with the far right and alignment with the drachma advocates.

Marinakis said Tsipras brought the most unnecessary bailout, increased ENFIA (property tax) which he promised to abolish, and conducted a shameful referendum before the Political Leaders’ Council, adding: “He can do rebranding by the kilo.”

On migration:
The spokesperson stressed that the government’s goals on migration are clear: a policy that will never again allow the country to become an “ungoverned space.”

“No matter how much some media wish for it, the government does not. Anyone entering the country illegally will either be imprisoned or returned,” he said. He reminded that the government has protection policies for unaccompanied minors and operates detention centers that do not resemble the “hellholes” like Moria or Idomeni. This is a clear strategy, not the logic of “there are no maritime borders.” The government will continue with the same migration policy as in its program. “Anyone who disagrees should say so openly to the island residents,” he noted.

On labor legislation:
Marinakis said the labor bill is one of the most pro-worker bills. The 8-hour workday is not violated; it is simply made easier for one employer to cover what previously was done by two, he said.