The case centers on two files submitted to Parliament regarding agricultural subsidies granted in 2021. The Parliamentary Ethics Committee has already unanimously recommended lifting the immunity of all 13 MPs—an action the MPs themselves have also requested, seeking the opportunity to defend their innocence before the courts.

A Process Framed by Transparency

The procedure includes brief statements from each MP, followed by interventions from party representatives. Each case will then be voted on individually. Results are anticipated in the early afternoon.

Karamanlis: “I Am Determined to Clear My Name”

Kostas Ach. Karamanlis opened his statement by emphasizing that no recorded conversations of his—or his associates—exist in the case file.

“There are references and conclusions about me, but no actual evidence of involvement,” he said, arguing that the case concerns administrative issues related to rejected subsidy applications that were later approved on appeal.

Karamanlis also suggested he has been targeted due to his surname, concluding: “I have committed no criminal act. I am innocent and will prove it.”

MPs Defend Their Actions

Several MPs argued that their involvement reflects the normal duties of elected officials:

• Kostas Tsiaras stressed that MPs must actively assist citizens rather than remain passive observers.
• Notis Mitarakis clarified that his office simply forwarded a citizen’s request without intervention, calling it “not favoritism, but representation.”
• Katerina Papakosta stated she only relayed a lawful request and “has nothing to fear.”
• Giannis Kefalogiannis emphasized there was no wrongdoing or financial damage.
• Kostas Skrekas attributed the issue to a technical error later corrected, denying any illegal action.

Others echoed similar positions, insisting their actions were within the scope of their duties and did not involve pressure, unlawful benefit, or manipulation of procedures.

Calls for Judicial Scrutiny

A recurring theme across statements was the desire for judicial review. Many MPs explicitly requested the lifting of their immunity to clear any doubts.

Maximos Senetakis stated: “I want to be judged like any citizen,” while Lakis Vasileiadis highlighted the importance of transparency and public trust.

Political Tensions Surface

The session also saw sharp political criticism. Opposition figure Zoi Konstantopoulou questioned the absence of many ND MPs, calling attention to what she described as a lack of accountability during a significant parliamentary moment.

What Comes Next

Following the debate, MPs will vote electronically on each case. The results will determine whether the 13 politicians can face judicial investigation without parliamentary protection.

The vote is widely seen as a test of institutional transparency and political accountability, as well as a signal of how Parliament handles allegations involving its own members.