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Greek PM Bans Ministers from Parliament Seats Amid Subsidy Scandal

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed a reform to ban government ministers from simultaneously serving as Members of Parliament. The move aims to enhance transparency and modernize governance, coming amid a European investigation into alleged EU agricultural subsidy misuse. The probe has implicated several former ministers and lawmakers from the ruling New Democracy party. The reform would take effect after the 2027 general elections, requiring appointed ministers to temporarily give up their parliamentary seats.

Key Points: Greek PM Proposes Ban on Ministers Holding Parliament Seats

  • Reform bans ministers from parliament seats
  • Aims to modernize state and boost transparency
  • Follows EU probe into farm subsidy misuse
  • Part of response to scandal implicating ruling party MPs
  • To take effect after 2027 elections
2 min read

Greek PM proposes ban on ministers holding parliamentary seats after subsidy scandal

Greek PM Mitsotakis proposes reform banning ministers from parliament amid EU subsidy scandal investigation, aiming to boost transparency.

"I strive to transform Greece into a modern European state. - Kyriakos Mitsotakis"

Athens, April 6

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday proposed an institutional reform banning government ministers from concurrently serving as Members of Parliament, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and modernising state governance.

Under the proposal, which would take effect after the 2027 general elections, any lawmaker appointed to the cabinet would be required to temporarily relinquish their parliamentary seat. The vacancy would be filled by the next eligible candidate on the party's electoral list for the duration of the minister's tenure.

The initiative comes amid an ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) into the alleged misuse of European Union agricultural subsidies, with several former ministers reportedly mentioned in case files submitted to Greek authorities, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Last week, Mitsotakis carried out a cabinet reshuffle. Meanwhile, the Greek parliament is expected to initiate procedures in the coming days to lift the immunity of 11 lawmakers implicated in the investigation.

In a statement, the Prime Minister urged the EPPO to promptly clarify "how many and which individuals" may face prosecution once parliamentary immunity is lifted. He noted that those under scrutiny have the right to defend themselves following what he described as significant personal and political repercussions.

Mitsotakis said the proposed reform forms part of broader efforts to modernize the Greek state and strengthen institutional transparency. "I strive to transform Greece into a modern European state," he said, adding that the measure is intended to address long-standing systemic deficiencies.

Since last year, nearly two dozen former ministers and members of parliament, all affiliated with the ruling New Democracy party, have been named in three criminal case files submitted by the EPPO. The investigation focuses on the alleged mismanagement of farm subsidies between 2019 and 2021.

Following the cabinet reshuffle, the main opposition party, PASOK-KINAL, renewed its call for early elections. The current government's term is scheduled to expire in June 2027.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting proposal. But why wait until 2027? If it's about integrity, it should be implemented immediately. Feels like a political move to manage the current scandal rather than a genuine reform. Hope it's not just optics.
V
Vikram M
Subsidy scandals are a global issue, it seems. From farm loans here to agricultural subsidies there. At least they are investigating and proposing systemic changes. We need more of this accountability everywhere. Good step forward for Greece.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows EU politics, this is a significant development. The EPPO doing its job! The reform makes sense—being a minister is a full-time role. Can't effectively legislate and govern at the same time. Hope other nations take note.
R
Rohit P
The opposition calling for early elections is the real story. The PM is trying to get ahead of the scandal with this "modernization" talk. Classic political strategy. Let's see if the public buys it. The proof will be in the prosecution of those 11 lawmakers.
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Nikhil C
"Modern European state" he says. The core issue is corruption, not the structure. You can have all the rules in the world, but without the will to punish the powerful, nothing changes. Lifting immunity is the first real test. Fingers crossed they follow through.

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