The Greek parliament has voted to lift parliamentary immunity from 13 lawmakers belonging to the ruling party. The decision came following a large-scale investigation initiated by European and national anti-corruption authorities. The deputies are suspected of involvement in an elaborate scheme to embezzle budget funds allocated by the European Union.
Investigators believe the parliamentarians used their influence to facilitate fictitious agricultural and infrastructure projects. The main charges include:
Shell company creation: Funds were transferred to accounts of firms that existed only on paper.
Cost inflation: The actual value of projects was artificially inflated several times over.
Misappropriation: Subsidies intended for the development of economically depressed regions allegedly ended up in the personal accounts of those involved in the scheme.
The request to lift immunity was submitted by the financial crimes prosecution office. According to case materials, the total damage to the EU and Greek budgets is estimated at tens of millions of euros.
“The law is the same for everyone. We will not allow a parliamentary mandate to serve as a shield for those who rob the Greek people and undermine the trust of our European partners,” a judicial authority representative commented on the situation.
Although the lifting of immunity does not constitute an automatic finding of guilt, the incident has dealt a serious reputational blow to the ruling majority. The opposition has already called for extraordinary hearings and the resignation of the relevant ministers.
Official Athens has declared full support for a transparent investigation, emphasizing its commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy on corruption.
The individuals named in the case are expected to be summoned for questioning as suspects in the near future. If the deputies’ guilt is proven, they face lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines with asset confiscation.