Millions of euros in EU farm subsidies turned into a scandal: Ministers retreat in Greece

A scandal in Greece over the misappropriation of EU agricultural subsidies has led to the resignation of several of the country's top political figures.

On Friday, the ministers of civil protection and agriculture and the secretary of state at the health ministry resigned and were replaced by new officials.

Commentators warn that these developments could seriously undermine political stability in the country. Almost all opposition parties are calling for the resignation of the government and early elections.

The resignation of these officials follows investigations by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which has asked for the lifting of the immunity of the resigning ministers, as well as that of a number of MPs.

All the MPs and officials under investigation belong to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' conservative ruling party, the New Democracy (ND).

It is alleged that the politicians in question were trying to ingratiate themselves with their constituents and receive illegal subsidies. The Conservatives have been in power in Greece since 2019.

In recent months, the authorities have been investigating hundreds of farmers who are suspected of having fraudulently embezzled millions of euros in subsidies, together with employees of the now-defunct OPEKEPE, an agricultural authority.

The allegations range from embezzlement and cyber fraud to falsification of documents.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice crimes affecting the European Union's financial interests.