Dimitris Avramopoulos categorically denies any involvement in the Qatargate scandal, calling the arrest warrant issued against him by the Belgian authorities “invalid.”
In a television interview, the former European Union Commissioner spoke of the case being reignited due to media exploitation and argued that the issue had already arisen about two and a half years ago, though he had never been asked to provide substantive explanations.
He placed particular emphasis on the nature of the warrant, clarifying that, in his view, it was not a European arrest warrant, but rather a procedure initiated by the Belgian police.
He even described the fact that the warrant was in Michalis Chrysochoidis’s office. He said he had been informed about the case by the Prime Minister’s Office. He also claimed that he had received special permission from the President of the European Commission and that the money he received for his involvement with the NGO had been taxed.
At the same time, he announced that he had already requested the lifting of his immunity so that, as he noted, the case could be fully investigated and his innocence proven. “I am not going to hide behind any immunity,” he stated emphatically.
Regarding his financial compensation from his involvement with an NGO linked to former Italian MEP Antonio Panceri, Mr. Avramopoulos maintained that all amounts had been properly declared to the tax authorities and taxed.
As he clarified, of his 5,000-euro fee, the net amount was approximately 3,500 euros after taxes.
Furthermore, he noted that he had obtained the necessary authorization from the European Commission to participate in this specific activity, rejecting any insinuation of an illegal financial transaction or bribery. “There are no kickbacks that are declared and taxed,” he emphasized.
Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, when asked about the matter, pointed out that Mr. Avramopoulos himself had requested the lifting of his immunity and had provided explanations, emphasizing that the final judgment rests exclusively with the judiciary. “The truth will come to light through institutional procedures,” he noted.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis echoed this sentiment, clarifying that the government cannot substitute for the judiciary nor prejudge the outcome of the case. As he stated, “I am neither exonerating nor condemning anyone,” emphasizing that Mr. Avramopoulos’s responses “seem convincing,” though this does not constitute a final judgment.
Regarding the procedure for forwarding the warrant, Mr. Marinakis pointed out that all applicable procedures were followed, noting that the document was forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office within 24 hours, as required by law.
At the same time, he clarified that no minister is involved in such procedures, which strictly follow institutional protocols.
Regarding Mr. Avramopoulos’s political future and his possible participation in electoral processes, the government spokesperson emphasized that candidate lists are determined exclusively by the Prime Minister’s decision, following recommendations.
SOURCE: ERT