EU prosecutor probes more Greek ruling party lawmakers over alleged farm subsidy fraud

A widening investigation into alleged abuse of EU farm subsidies is drawing in more politicians from Greece’s ruling party, deepening a scandal that has burdened the government for nearly a year.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) first set out the alleged scheme last May, saying subsidy recipients filed claims for land they did not own and overstated livestock numbers. In some cases, those collecting payments had no connection to farming at all.

The claims triggered a series of raids and arrests last October and fueled prolonged protests by farmers whose legitimate subsidy payments were delayed.

Members of the governing New Democracy party have become increasingly caught up in the case, which may involve tens of millions in subsidies, with the EPPO now investigating 20 politicians.

The agency said today that two additional MPs had come under suspicion, confirming an earlier report from state news agency ANA.

“I can confirm that,” said Tine Hollevoet, spokesperson for the office based in Luxembourg. “However, I will not confirm any names.”

The bulk of the allegedly fraudulent subsidies were directed to Crete, the island where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s family has held political sway for more than 100 years.

Opposition parties have demanded that any ministers facing investigation step down.

Mr Mitsotakis, who has said the fraud predates his rise to power in 2019, has pledged to jail the “thieves” behind the scheme and recover the money.

According to media reports, he is preparing a reshuffle that would remove ministers under investigation.

Elections are due next year and Mr Mitsotakis’s conservative party remains ahead in opinion polls, though it is not expected to win an outright majority.