ATHENS, Greece — In a notable political development, a hard-right lawmaker took the oath of office on Monday as Greece’s new migration minister. This appointment comes in the wake of a significant resignation involving a controversy over EU farm subsidies, which has led to broader political implications.
The reshuffling in the government was necessitated by the abrupt departure of five influential officials last Friday, including the former migration minister, Makis Voridis. Alongside Voridis, three deputy ministers and a secretary general stepped down amid charges of misappropriating European Union agricultural subsidies. These accusations allege that undeserving individuals received the funds by falsely declaring ownership or leases for non-existent farms and livestock, facilitated by a Greek government authority known as OPEKEPE.
The incoming migration minister, Thanos Plevris, at 48 years old, is expected to continue Greece’s stringent approach to migration policies. Plevris, like his predecessor Voridis, transitioned to the conservative New Democracy party in 2012 after beginning his political career with the right-wing populist Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party. Voridis, who has categorically denied any complicity in the subsidy scandal, chose to resign to fight the claims and protect his reputation.
The case, probed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, has thus far culminated in a comprehensive dossier submitted to the Greek Parliament last week. This documentation hints at possible ministerial involvement in the fraudulent scheme. However, Greek law stipulates that ministers are shielded by immunity, which can only be revoked through a parliamentary vote.
In a candid statement, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis admitted on Sunday that his New Democracy party had not fully eliminated corruption. “Significant reform efforts were made, but let’s be honest. We failed,” Mitsotakis openly acknowledged in a social media announcement. He further assured that individuals who wrongfully gained from the EU funds would be compelled to return the money.
Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece’s many hardworking farmers and livestock breeders, along with law-abiding citizens, should not have to endure the deceit of those falsely claiming farming assets or the complicity of their enablers. “Our many farmers and livestock breeders who toil and produce quality products, and all law-abiding citizens, will not tolerate scammers,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to rectifying the misappropriation of funds and reinforcing integrity within the sector.