New Democracy (ND) has filed a request for a Preliminary Investigation Committee concerning alleged misdemeanors involving former Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Kostas Axh. Karamanlis. However, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is keen to steer the government away from this debate. Therefore, he is focusing on today’s cabinet meeting at Maximos Mansion, which features a robust agenda. Additionally, it was decided yesterday to close OPEKEPE and transfer its functions to AADE, as reported by “To Vima” on Sunday.
One key topic at the Cabinet meeting is the establishment of a new, independent authority for market supervision, as recently announced by Minister Takis Theodorikakos. The Minister of Development aims to implement a model similar to AADE, consolidating various inspection mechanisms to enhance service interoperability. This new authority is expected to be operational by early 2026, once its structure is finalized and leadership appointed, akin to Giorgos Pitsilis at AADE.
Branches of this new authority will encompass the Consumer Ombudsman, DIMEA, and departments of the General Secretariat of Commerce. “A significant reform of the entire market supervision and consumer protection system is imperative,” Theodorikakos asserted recently.
Administrative and Criminal Sanctions
Another significant agenda item is a bill from Migration Minister Makis Voridis, aimed at expediting the deportation of illegal migrants and tightening the existing framework for administrative and criminal penalties. Voridis recently met with Mitsotakis to finalize the guidelines for this new framework, which is intended to deter those whose asylum applications have been denied, even upon second review.
Practically, if a second-level asylum application is denied, the migrant can submit new evidence only once for processing. Following an asylum rejection, illegal migrants may either be detained in closed Pre-departure Centers for up to 24 months without the right to leave or required to wear an electronic bracelet and check in regularly at police stations.
If they do not leave by the end of the administrative sanction period, they will face criminal charges for illegal entry and residency in Greece, with potential prison sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years. This serves as an incentive for voluntary departure, as criminal prosecution would be suspended in such cases.
The End of OPEKEPE
In light of these significant reforms targeted at dismantling entrenched issues within the “deep state,” Prime Minister Mitsotakis officially announced the dissolution of OPEKEPE during a meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Ministers Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Kostas Skrekas, Deputy Minister George Mylonakis, and AADE Chief Giorgos Pitsilis. Confirming reports from “To Vima,” Mitsotakis declared the integration of OPEKEPE into AADE with a separate directorate, while its staff will be reassigned within the new independent authority to disrupt existing power dynamics.
This high-level government decision, while acknowledging past failures, reflects the administration’s commitment to eliminate inefficiencies within the organization and safeguard European funding for the agricultural sector. “The message is clear: The Agricultural Support and Payment system is entering a new era, putting an end to decades of poor practices that undermined diligent farmers’ access to resources,” government sources emphasized. The aim is for OPEKEPE to achieve full integration into AADE by the latter half of 2026, with relevant legislative arrangements to be submitted by July.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
