EU Prosecutor Addresses Alleged Corruption in Greece Following Tragic Train Accident
Greece is facing increasing scrutiny as Laura Kövesi, the European Chief Prosecutor, investigates numerous cases, including the alleged misappropriation of EU funds linked to a train accident in Tempi that resulted in the deaths of 57 people, reports 24brussels.
The Greek government’s conservative New Democracy party has rejected calls from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) for action against two former ministers connected to the disaster, raising concerns about accountability in the wake of the tragedy.
In addition, the government’s obstruction of a probe into a significant farm fraud scandal has sparked further outrage. The EPPO is examining how the scheme implicated several businesspeople, political figures, and individuals at the Organization for the Payment of Common Agricultural Policy Aid (OPEKEPE), which manages EU subsidy distribution in Greece.
At a recent press conference, Kövesi criticized the pervasive corruption within OPEKEPE, stating, “OPEKEPE has become the acronym for corruption, nepotism and clientelism. Just like in the Tempi case, this criminal investigation could not develop its full reach because of the Greek constitution.”
Under current Greek law, only the national parliament has the authority to investigate and prosecute members of the government. Kövesi indicated that EPPO has raised concerns about this limitation with the European Commission and received assurances that amendments would be forthcoming.
Moreover, Kövesi expressed her apprehension regarding the atmosphere of intimidation surrounding her investigators. She emphasized the necessity of an unimpeded judicial process, stating, “Justice cannot become a TV reality show. A cat with a bell cannot catch mice. EPPO is here to stay. Despite intimidation attempts we are very proud of the EPPO team in Athens.”
The investigations into both the Tempi accident and the alleged farm fraud highlight a pressing need for transparency and accountability in Greece’s handling of EU funds. As the EU continues to scrutinize these developments, the implications for the country’s governance and judicial integrity remain significant.
