The Ethics Committee is set to examine today at 10:00 a.m. the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the waiver of immunity of 11 sitting MPs from New Democracy, in connection with the OPEKEPE case.

The MPs concerned are: Kostas Tsiaras, Notis Mitarakis, Dimitris Vartzopoulos, Christos Boukoros, Lakis Vasileiadis, Kostas Ach. Karamanlis, Theophilos Leontaridis, Maximos Senetakis, Giannis Kefalogiannis, Kostas Skrekas, and Katerina Papakosta.

Although the cases differ significantly, the Committee is expected to handle them uniformly, strictly within the constitutional framework and without examining the substance or legal merits of the accusations.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution, the Committee—and Parliament as a whole—examines only whether the alleged offences are related to parliamentary duties or political activity. If not, permission for prosecution must be granted.

At the same time, several MPs, including N. Mitarakis, D. Vartzopoulos, Ch. Boukoros, and K. Tsiaras, while declaring their willingness to waive immunity, argue that assisting citizens through lawful procedures is a core duty of MPs. This view appears to be shared by many members, particularly those representing constituencies where such requests are frequent.

During today’s session, the 11 MPs are expected to submit written memoranda rather than speak in person. Oral interventions will take place later, when the matter reaches the Plenary for final deliberation and voting.

At this stage, Ethics Committee members, after reviewing the case file and the MPs’ written explanations, will decide individually whether to recommend lifting immunity. The majority opinion will then be forwarded to the Plenary, which—after the Easter recess—will hold a debate and vote on each case separately. A simple majority of those present is sufficient to lift immunity.

Positions of the MPs

Several MPs, including former Ministers of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras, Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis, and former New Democracy secretary Kostas Skrekas, have explicitly called for their immunity to be lifted so that the judiciary can fully investigate the case.

They uniformly stress that there was no interference in OPEKEPE procedures or any intention to violate the law.

Tsiaras clarified that communication from his office concerned only procedural clarification regarding a possible sample audit in 2021.

Kefalogiannis stated that the case file contains no evidence of his involvement: “There is not a single conversation or message from me,” he noted, adding that the accusations rely on assumptions about a former associate acting on his behalf.

Skrekas, who resigned from his party position, also requested the immediate lifting of his immunity, emphasizing that he will not allow any suspicion to damage the party or distort political reality.

Lakis Vasileiadis similarly requested the lifting of his immunity, stating that his name appears only indirectly through third-party conversations. He stressed that no illegal act occurred and that the audit in question was conducted normally, without intervention or subsidy granted.

Christos Boukoros also called for the lifting of his immunity, stating that his actions concerned legitimate support for eligible farmers. He emphasized the need for a broader discussion on the role of MPs in representing citizens’ interests.

Dimitris Vartzopoulos rejected the accusations as unfounded, noting that his involvement amounts to merely asking questions, without urging any illegal act.

Notis Mitarakis described his inclusion in the case as “absurd,” insisting that all his actions were within the scope of his duties.

Theophilos Leontaridis denied any wrongdoing, stating that recorded conversations cited in the file do not constitute illegal acts. He expressed full confidence in the judiciary and requested the lifting of his immunity.

Maximos Senetakis spoke of “political exploitation” of the case, stressing that his involvement was limited to forwarding a citizen’s request without suggesting any solution or having further involvement.

Katerina Papakosta also denied any wrongdoing, describing the accusations as unjust and unfounded. She explained that her involvement concerned an attempt to assist a farmer facing financial hardship, noting that no subsidy was ultimately granted—evidence, she argues, that no improper influence was exercised. She too requested the lifting of her immunity.

Finally, Kostas Ach. Karamanlis stated that he places himself at the disposal of the authorities and is confident he will prove his innocence. He also announced that he does not intend to run in the next elections, emphasizing that politics is not an end in itself for him.