Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the abolition of OPEKEPE and the transfer of its responsibilities and personnel to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) as a “necessary decision.”

“The existing system has allowed bad practices, delays, and abuses, as has become evident—practices that do no one any credit. We must acknowledge that despite our efforts, these chronic problems have not been resolved. However, we will not turn a blind eye to the issue. As I said in the Cabinet meeting, Gordian knots—if they cannot be untied—are cut,” the Prime Minister emphasized in his weekly review.

The integration of OPEKEPE will be completed by the second half of 2026. “During this transition, there will be no issues concerning the disbursement of EU subsidies. At the same time, the government is fully cooperating with European authorities to investigate the case of illegal receipt of EU funds by unscrupulous individuals. We owe it to the hardworking farmers. We owe it to the country,” Mitsotakis stated.

New Category of Firefighting Personnel

Mitsotakis also referred to the readiness of the state mechanism in the field of civil protection. “This year, we have made sure to further strengthen the state apparatus, both in personnel and in technical infrastructure,” he noted. He also mentioned that the process of recruiting special-purpose firefighting personnel—such as pilots, technicians, and engineers for the new aircraft being delivered under the “AIGIS” program—is being accelerated and simplified.

The Prime Minister announced the establishment of a new category of firefighting personnel under the title “General Duty Firefighters on Term Service.” These individuals will be hired on seven-year public law contracts based on objective criteria, without written exams. The relevant bill is currently under consultation and will soon be submitted to Parliament.

On the Issue of High Prices

In his post, Mitsotakis also referred to the government’s ongoing efforts to combat high prices. “We are launching new measures, such as introducing special labeling for products that shrink in size without a corresponding price reduction, operating farmers-only markets, and digitally upgrading the e-katanalotis app with information about the cheapest products and the most competitive retailers,” he noted.

“At the same time, we are establishing a new National Authority to monitor the market, which will operate alongside the Competition Commission. This new Authority will handle complaints—which will soon be possible via mobile app—impose sanctions, and carry out out-of-court dispute resolution, thus effectively enhancing consumer protection,” he added.

“I recognize that, despite the safeguards we have put in place against rising prices, inflation continues to pressure incomes. The battle is not over, which is why we are reinforcing our institutions and tools,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Access to the Electronic Health Record

He also mentioned that, as of last Monday, all doctors now have access to patients’ Electronic Health Records. “Through this system, doctors can quickly and easily view a patient’s medical history—diagnoses, prescriptions, tests, treatments—gaining a complete picture that enhances both the continuity and quality of care provided. Additionally, the state now has, for the first time, a national reference database of population health data. The Electronic Health Record will gradually be enriched with new services, depending on the needs of the National Health System (ESY) and technological capabilities,” he said.