New Democracy is set to propose the formation of a Commission of Inquiry into former Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Kostas Ax. Karamanlis. This initiative aims to investigate allegations of duty breach against him, which are based on testimonies from two senior ministry officials to appellate investigator Sotiris Bakaimi, who is handling the Tebon case. The investigator has sent the case file to Parliament without additional evaluation, leaving the next steps to lawmakers.
Throughout this process, ND has reviewed the dossier thoroughly, opting against pursuing felony charges. Any potential implications will be directed solely towards Mr. Karamanlis, with no focus on his former deputies, and will center around concerns raised by his previous subordinate officials. Essentially, the inquiry seeks to determine if Karamanlis fulfilled his administrative duties appropriately—specifically, whether he helped enhance the OSE with adequate staffing and increased railway funding. Importantly, railway safety is viewed as distinct from the reasons for prosecution, which are influenced by political disagreements between ND and PASOK. Government representatives have also highlighted that the Railways Regulatory Authority is the appropriate body for such matters.
The proposal will specifically exclude Christos Spirtzis, the former Infrastructure Minister during the SYRIZA government, as his potential liabilities are considered legally invalid due to the statute of limitations.
**Internal Party Dynamics and the Triantopoulos Model**
Within ND, some members believe the defamation accusations against Karamanlis lack foundation based on existing evidence. However, from a political and parliamentary perspective, it appears unlikely that an Investigative Committee focused on the former minister will not be established.
It is anticipated that the fast-track procedures of the Triantopoulos model will be utilized during the pre-investigation phase. This strategy aims to quickly refer the case to the five-member Judicial Council for further examination. The government has assured that, should the Council suggest elevating the charges, the parliamentary majority will not resist this action.
**Karamanlis’ Position**
As reported by protothema.gr, the former minister is consulting with officials at Maximos Mansion regarding the next steps in the case. Once ND’s proposal is made public, it is highly likely that Karamanlis will issue a statement expressing his willingness to cooperate with parliamentary proceedings.
Karamanlis is assembling a team of experienced legal advisors to prepare for this process. It seems logical for him to first submit a memorandum to the Pre-Investigation Committee and then address the Parliament’s plenary session, which will decide whether to move forward with prosecution and refer the case to the Judicial Council.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
