Categorically rejects the government’s demands for the establishment of a Preliminary Investigation Committee against Spyros Livanos and Fotini Arabatzis regarding the OPEKEPE case, arguing that there is no evidence to justify such a proceeding.A few months before the national elections, the Maximos Mansion refuses—as it claims—to allow the country and its political life to be turned into a “vast courtroom” and an endless debate on criminal matters.
In such a scenario, Kyriakos Mitsotakis would be seeking to renew the public’s trust amid a toxic atmosphere for the government, forced into a constant defensive posture, with all that this implies for the election outcome.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis strongly criticized the opposition, accusing it of attempting to build a political agenda based on allegations not supported by factual evidence.
“No evidence has emerged to justify the establishment of a Preliminary Investigation Committee,” he stated, making it clear that the government majority will reject the relevant requests submitted by the opposition parties(PASOK, SYRIZA – New Left).
Government sources point out that, pursuant to Article 86 of the Constitution, the evaluation of the evidence falls within the purview of Parliament and, following a relevant review, no data or even indications were found to substantiate the need for a preliminary investigation. In this context, it is emphasized that the requests are not based on factual evidence, but on political assessments.
“Not substantiated”
Special mention is also made of the content of the proposals, with relevant sources noting that they include serious characterizations such as“criminal organization”and “organized crime,” which, however, do not appear in the case file. As they emphasize, such descriptions are not corroborated by any evidence in the case.
At the same time, the government attempts to contrast its stance with other cases, noting that it has already consented to the referral of political figures to the courts when there was sufficient evidence. Conversely, where no evidence is found, the response—it is noted—is negative, in accordance with the constitutional framework and with respect for the presumption of innocence.
At the same time, the fate of the proposal to establish an Investigative Committee regarding the wiretaps has not been formalized. Pavlos Marinakis noted that the government will study the content of the proposal before taking an official position: “First, we will study and evaluate this proposal, and then we will respond,” he said.
However, indications suggest that the governing majority is likely to request an increased majority of 151 votes to approve the inquiry, citing national security concerns. This is because, according to this line of reasoning, the debate touches on the role of the EYP.
If this is decided, it is estimated that the New Democracy parliamentary group will act in a coordinated manner, without deviating from the leadership’s line, but with opposition accusations of a cover-up multiplying.