×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Thursday
14
May 2026
weather symbol
Athens 24°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Politics

OPEKEPE case escalates: Ministers face exit, government weighs key decisions

For some individuals, the recorded conversations are particularly incriminating and rise to the level of a felony

Newsroom April 2 10:48

Δείτε περισσότερα άρθρα μας στα αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης

Add Protothema.gr on Google

A new wave of political pressure is building for the Greek government following the submission of a second case file concerning the OPEKEPE scandal to Parliament. The file reportedly includes a request to lift the parliamentary immunity of 11 MPs, as well as the referral of two former ministers and deputy ministers of Rural Development, marking a significant escalation compared to previous weeks.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is said to be awaiting full access to the case file—particularly the recorded conversations it contains—before proceeding with any decisions. While he appears composed in private discussions, the developments are expected to trigger a series of critical political moves. Government sources emphasize that each individual’s involvement will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, though early indications suggest that, for certain figures, the evidence may point to offenses of a felony nature rather than minor infractions.

Ministers Under Scrutiny

At least three current members of the government are already under close examination: Minister of Rural Development Kostas Tsiaras, Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Giannis Kefalogiannis, and Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos. According to prevailing scenarios, those under investigation are likely to be removed from their posts, in line with previous cases earlier this year, potentially triggering a limited cabinet reshuffle.

Pressure Extends to Party Leadership

The implications of the case may extend beyond the government to the ruling New Democracy party itself. Party Secretary Kostas Skrekas has been named in connection with the case file, and while he has publicly denied knowledge of any wrongdoing, his position may become untenable if substantial evidence emerges. His potential removal would coincide with the party’s upcoming congress, where a new political committee—and by extension, a new secretary—is expected to be elected.

Decisions on Parliamentary Investigation

A further challenge for the government lies in determining the legal handling of the case in Parliament, particularly regarding former ministers Spylios Livanos and Fotini Arabatzi. Unlike previous instances where an investigative committee was preferred over a preliminary inquiry, the gravity of the current allegations may leave little room to avoid the establishment of a formal pre-investigation committee, especially if strong indications of criminal conduct are confirmed.

Broader Political Consequences

Although government officials rule out the possibility of early elections, they acknowledge that the affair will have wider political repercussions. Candidate lists for future elections are expected to undergo rigorous scrutiny, with difficult decisions likely depending on the findings of the case.

>Related articles

Voridis to ProtoThema: I’m torn over voting to lift MPs’ immunity in the OPEKEPE case – Legally unfounded, ministerial resignations excessive

MP Vassiliadis requests lifting of immunity in OPEKEPE Case: ‘My name was mentioned indirectly in third-party conversations’

OPEKEPE: Second case file from the European Public Prosecutor – Immunity lift requested for 11 New Democracy MPs, names to be known by tomorrow

As the details of the case file come to light, the government faces a delicate balancing act between political stability and institutional accountability—one that could shape the trajectory of the current administration in the months ahead.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#greek government#OPEKEPE case
> More Politics

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Mitsotakis at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony for Draghi: Europe risks not being the author of its own future

May 14, 2026

“MAGA is compatible with China’s rise” – What happened at the Xi–Trump dinner, invitation to Washington for September 24

May 14, 2026

Schinas on the harassment of Greek fishermen by Turkey in the Aegean Sea: “It is a phenomenon that cannot be accepted”

May 14, 2026

Doug Burgum: The Vertical Corridor an opportunity for Europe and American natural gas

May 14, 2026

Today the new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington: Tel Aviv will not commit to a complete ceasefire, says Al Arabiya

May 14, 2026

Black Sea: The silent escalation threatening international shipping

May 14, 2026

Airfares in Europe set to rise due to Strait of Hormuz crisis, International Air Transport Association estimates

May 14, 2026

AADE: Wave of 12,000 new “notices” for hidden income and undeclared rental income

May 14, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα