Prime Minister Mitsotakis has reshuffled his cabinet to address the fallout from the case. New officials have been appointed to key positions within the government. A major change is the appointment of former EU Commissioner Margaritis Schinas as the new Minister of Agriculture.
The events follow earlier political unrest surrounding the same issue. The current developments are seen as a new phase in a scandal that has been ongoing for many years.
The affair revolves around the unjustified application for European agricultural subsidies. In multiple instances, subsidies were allegedly obtained for meadows, fields, and land not owned or for activities that were not carried out.
Promotion
According to the accusations, the system has existed for a long time. Large sums are involved, with millions of euros in European support possibly paid out improperly.
Misconduct
The Greek central government does not have a registry of land ownership. Greece consists of several thousand islands, of which only a few hundred are inhabited. These small islands have their own local governments and each operate independently.
The investigation focuses not only on the executors but also on political officials. They have known for years that Greek farmers apply for subsidies on non-existent lands. This has increased pressure on the Greek government, leading to the resignation of multiple officials.
The investigation also looks at possible misconduct from previous years. The European Public Prosecutor's Office has asked the Greek parliament to lift the immunity of several MPs so that their involvement can also be investigated.