Subsidy fraud puts pressure on Greek PM to reshuffle cabinet

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is considering a cabinet reshuffle as investigations into alleged fraud involving European Union farm subsidies widen. According to a government official, the case involves several senior figures from the ruling party.

The scandal dates back to last year, when European prosecutors accused dozens of cattle farmers of falsifying ownership of grazing land to obtain millions of euros in subsidies. Investigators say state officials and politicians may also have been involved in the scheme.

The case has already led to ministerial resignations, and Greece has been fined by the European Union for failures in the management of subsidies through the OPEKEPE agency.

The latest development follows a request from the European Chief Prosecutor to waive the immunity of at least 11 lawmakers, including ministers, so they can face investigation. The case concerns alleged offences against the financial interests of the Union, including fraud and breach of trust.

OPEKEPE manages more than €2 billion in subsidies for farmers each year.

(reuters, max)