A statement was issued by Lakis Vassiliadis, Member of Parliament for Pella with New Democracy, in which he both announces his intention to request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity and firmly denies any involvement in illegal activity related to the OPEKEPE case in which his name appears.

Vassiliadis emphasizes that “there is no indication of any illegal act on my part,” clarifying that the reference to his name arises indirectly through conversations between third parties, without any personal contact between himself or his associates and the individuals involved.

Addressing the substance of the case, he explains that it concerns an alleged request for an extension of an inspection involving a farmer. However, he underlines that the inspection was ultimately carried out as scheduled, without any extension being granted, without intervention, and without the farmer receiving any subsidy. As such, he argues that not only did no illegal act occur, but there was also no financial damage—“not even minimal”—to national or European funds.

Full Statement

In his detailed statement, Vassiliadis reiterates that a careful review of the OPEKEPE file reveals no evidence of wrongdoing. He notes that the mention of his name stems solely from indirect references in third-party communications and not from any direct involvement.

He further explains that the request attributed to him concerned discussions about a possible extension for an upcoming inspection of a farmer. Nonetheless, this extension was never granted, and the audit proceeded normally. The farmer in question did not receive any subsidy, reinforcing his position that no improper act took place.

To eliminate any doubts regarding his conduct, Vassiliadis announces that he will formally request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity, stating that he wants “the truth to come to light.” He adds that he will handle the matter with the same principles that have guided his political and personal life—honesty, integrity, and transparency.

He concludes by reaffirming his commitment to serving citizens, emphasizing that he remains accessible to the public and dedicated to addressing their concerns with responsibility and diligence.

What the Case File Shows

According to findings from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, there is no direct communication linking Vassiliadis or his associates to the case. Instead, his name appears in a message sent by a third party to the president of OPEKEPE, Dimitrios Melas.

In that message, the sender refers to Vassiliadis in connection with a request related to an animal inspection. Follow-up communications indicate attempts to delay or cancel the inspection. However, these efforts were unsuccessful.

Ultimately, the inspection was carried out as planned. The farmer involved did not receive the subsidy—estimated at approximately €2,500—and was instead fined by OPEKEPE.

The case centers on indirect references and alleged attempts to influence an inspection process that, in practice, proceeded without interference. Vassiliadis maintains that the facts fully exonerate him and has taken the step of requesting the lifting of his immunity in order to allow a complete judicial review.