Greek parliament lifts immunity of 13 ruling party MPs in EU subsidy probe

The Greek Parliament has voted to lift the parliamentary immunity of 13 lawmakers from the ruling New Democracy (ND) party, officials confirmed on April 23, in connection with a corruption investigation linked to European Union funds.

The move follows a request from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, according to a statement from parliament’s Bureau, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The MPs are accused of favouring constituents by securing illegal subsidies, with allegations including breach of trust, computer fraud, and falsification of documents to obtain EU agricultural funds. Investigators say the case involves fabricated claims about agricultural land, including subsidies granted for rocky terrain, woodland, and even plots allegedly located across the border in North Macedonia.

EU authorities first notified Greece about the case in March 2025.

The scandal has already triggered political fallout, with Greece’s ministers for civil protection and agriculture, as well as a state secretary in the Ministry of Health, stepping down in recent weeks.

It remains unclear whether formal charges will be filed following the lifting of immunity, or which individuals may ultimately face prosecution. Legal proceedings are expected to take several months before decisions on potential indictments are reached.

The conservative ND party has been in power since 2019 and currently holds 156 seats in the 300-member parliament, maintaining a clear governing majority.

By Sabina Mammadli