Greek PM rules out early elections amid farm subsidy scandal

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has firmly dismissed the possibility of snap elections, asserting that his government, despite facing a significant scandal involving EU agricultural subsidies, maintains a substantial lead over opposition parties. The controversy centers on an ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) into alleged large-scale fraud in the allocation of EU funds to farmers.

Reports suggest that the EPPO has implicated lawmakers from the ruling New Democracy party and other officials in fraudulent subsidy claims totaling millions of euros. These alleged schemes involved applying for support for land they did not own and inflating livestock numbers. The investigation has particularly focused on the island of Crete, an area with deep historical ties to the Mitsotakis family.

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(Elections) will not take place in the autumn. We are the leading party, albeit with a smaller percentage, yes, but we still have a lead of 14 to 15 points over the second party.

While the EPPO recently dropped charges against some lawmakers due to insufficient evidence, investigations continue for others. Mitsotakis has pointed out that the alleged fraudulent activities began in 2016, predating his time in office. He has also voiced criticism of the EPPO, suggesting its actions could be influenced by internal party politics, and called for apologies for what he described as the "shame" that tarnished honest politicians. Nevertheless, he reiterated the government's support for the EPPO as an institution, reserving the right to express criticism when deemed necessary.

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In a way, it seems to be entering an internal party competition.