Debate in Plenary to set up special inquiry committee over phone tapping case underway (watch live)

Its establishment requires 120 votes

The debate has started in the Greek Parliament over the proposal submitted by the PASOK-KINAL Committee for the establishment of a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry to investigate “the case of violation of the confidentiality of the communications of the President of PASOK- KINIMATOS ALLAGIS and MEP Mr. Nikos Androulakis by the National Intelligence Service [EYP] or by other natural or legal persons, the confirmed attempt to trap his mobile phone with the malicious predator software, the illegal use of it in the Greek territory and the investigation into the existence of responsibilities of the Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis and everyone else involved natural or legal person”.

The debate and decision by the Plenary have been submitted in accordance with the revised article of the Constitution which provides the possibility to the minority parties to set up Investigative Committees of the Parliament. For the establishment of these Committees, 120 and not 151 positive votes are sufficient.

According to the Conference of Presidents, the meeting will begin with the positions of the parliamentary groups’ rapporteurs. Then there will be three rounds of speakers – MPs in proportion to the parliamentary strength of the parties, the positions of parliamentary representatives, and any political leaders who want to take the floor.

The meeting will conclude with a roll call vote to establish that the proposal received at least 120 positive votes. At the end of the meeting, the Speaker of the Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, will announce the number of members of the Inquiry Committee, in proportion to the parliamentary strength of the parties, as well as the deadline for the completion of the work by submitting the conclusion to the Plenary. Of course, the Committee has the possibility, in case it needs more time to complete its work, to request a time extension from the Plenary.