Fotini Arabatzi said from the floor of Parliament that she is “completely innocent” during the debate on the proposal to set up a preliminary investigation committee on the OPEKEPE case.
The former deputy minister of rural development and food argued that she never exerted pressure, did not abuse her power and did not demand any illegal facilities, urging MPs to study the dossier carefully.
“Ask yourself if there is a single act that constitutes an offence. If there is a single euro that was given illegally,” she said, claiming that no illegal act was found against her.
The New Democracy MP spoke of political targeting and denounced that her name was publicly implicated in the case through publications even before the file was forwarded to Parliament.
At the same time, she responded to criticisms of “cubism” regarding her position not to proceed with the preliminary investigation committee, arguing that the decision of the parliamentary majority is based on constitutional and legal documentation, as – as she said – there are no even subtle indications of criminal responsibility.
Arabatzi also criticised the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, raising questions about its handling of the case and alleging a breach of the secrecy of the pre-trial proceedings.
He said the audit was conducted properly and no findings of irregularities or illegal benefits were found.
