A scandal involving embezzled EU agricultural subsidies has led to resignations at the highest political level in Greece: the ministers for civil protection and agriculture as well as a state secretary in the Ministry of Health resigned from their positions on Friday and were replaced.
April 3, 2026, 12:30 p.mApril 3, 2026, 12:30 p.m
All parliamentarians and officials in focus belong to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ conservative ruling party New Democracy (ND).Image: keystone
Commentators warn that the revelations could seriously endanger political stability in the country. Almost all opposition parties are calling for the resignation of the government under Mitsotakis and early elections.
Serious political crisis
The background is investigations by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which had requested that the immunity of the resigned ministers and numerous MPs be lifted. All parliamentarians and officials in focus belong to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ conservative ruling party New Democracy (ND).
According to the investigation, the politicians concerned are said to have tried to benefit their electorate and obtain illegal subsidies. The conservatives have ruled Greece since 2019.
Network of farmers and officials
For months, the authorities have been investigating hundreds of farmers who, together with employees of the now dissolved agricultural authority OPEKEPE, are said to have fraudulently obtained millions of euros in subsidies. The allegations range from infidelity to computer fraud and false certification.
The European Union’s independent public prosecutor’s office is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice crimes detrimental to the EU’s financial interests. (sda/dpa)