The opposition’s critical attitude towards the government’s initiatives on OPEKEPE, as well as the importance of ensuring the presumption of innocence, was mentioned by New Democracy MP Maria Syrengela in an interview with Mega.
Mrs. Syrengela fired arrows at SYRIZA and PASOK, pointing out that despite their allegations of corruption, they did not vote for the transfer of OPEKEPE under the supervision of the AADE. “When we proposed the transfer of the Agency to the AADE so that through digital tools there would be total control, the opposition did not vote for it, while at the same time they did not present any alternative proposal on the substance,” he noted, referring to a standing tactic of “no to everything.”
Referring to the files concerning the Agency, the MP B2 West Sector of Athens stressed the need to respect the presumption of innocence. She stressed that the lifting of immunity does not amount to a conviction, but is the legal route for those involved to be able to defend themselves in justice.
“It is unacceptable for the opposition to talk about ‘gangs’, especially when there are cases of convicts who remain in the ranks of their parties,” said Ms. Syrengela said. She also clarified that citizens contacting MPs about legitimate requests and seeking information from ministries as part of parliamentary scrutiny is part of their institutional role and should not be confused with illegal activities.
Finally, he recalled that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office was established in 2020 with the full support of the current government. He stressed that the evidence on which the investigations are based comes from legitimate actions of the prosecuting authorities, which operate without any government interference, with the aim of transparency and justice.
