Three senior Greek government ministers have resigned from their posts on Friday, as a major European Union investigation into alleged farm subsidy fraud continues to widen. The resignations come amid mounting public anger and significant strain on Greece's agricultural sector.
Ministers Step Down to Facilitate Probe
Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras, Civil Protection Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis, and Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos all submitted their resignations. Each of the ministers has strongly denied any personal wrongdoing, stating that their departures are intended to facilitate the ongoing European investigation and ensure its integrity.
European Prosecutor Seeks Immunity Waivers
The investigation is being led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of European chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi. The office is currently seeking immunity waivers for 11 Greek lawmakers as part of the case, which has raised serious concerns both domestically and across the farming community.
Prosecutor Kovesi visited Athens last year for high-level talks with government officials, underscoring the seriousness with which the EU is treating the allegations. The alleged fraud centres on a Greek state agency that is accused of failing to prevent the misuse of substantial EU funds through false claims related to land and livestock subsidies.
Government Swiftly Reshuffles Cabinet
In response to the resignations, Greece's centre-right government moved quickly to reshuffle its Cabinet. Former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas has been appointed as the new Agriculture Minister, a move seen as an attempt to stabilise the situation and restore confidence.
Second Wave of Resignations Linked to Scandal
This marks the second significant wave of resignations connected to the subsidy scandal. Last year, five senior Greek officials also stepped down from their positions, indicating the prolonged and deep-rooted nature of the investigation.
Farming Sector Under Mounting Strain
The ongoing investigation has placed Greece's farming sector under considerable strain. Weeks of protests have been triggered by delayed subsidy payments, which are directly tied to the fraud probe. Earlier this year, thousands of farmers staged major tractor protests in Athens and across central Greece, highlighting the severe economic and social impact of the scandal.
The resignations of the three ministers represent a significant political development, as the EU continues its rigorous examination of alleged financial misconduct within Greece's agricultural subsidy system.
