Shots were fired at the Ministry of Rural Development by SYRIZA MP Vassilis Kokkalis for its management of sheep and goat pox, claiming he ignored warnings from European authorities, as early as May 2025, when a group of the E.U. it had identified “inadequate measures” and called for tougher sanctions, better biosecurity, epidemiological investigation and the definition of grazing areas.
Speaking in Parliament, he said that the government did not implement the protocols it was supposed to, nor did it activate the National Reporting Control Center, as provided for in the 2023 decision. “Neither the breeders nor the public are informed about the daily cases. Is this the serious treatment?’asked the head of the Rural Development department of SYRIZA.
At the same time, he accused the ministry and the scientific committee, that they have not given a clear answer as to whether the vaccination will result in a ban on exports. “Where exactly is the ban on the export of feta cheese provided? If there is, tell the breeders clearly. If there isn’t, don’t terrorize them”he said. Vassilis Kokkalis made reference to the statements of the president of the National Scientific Committee, Professor Billinis, who, as he said, “admitted that there is no clear provision for a ban, there are simply ambiguities in the European regulations”.
The SYRIZA MP also referred to the agricultural subsidies, saying that the delays in the payments and invitations of the Rural Development Program, as well as the “unprepared information system”, have led to a loss of resources and risk of fines. He cited statements by the Greek official of the European Commission, Nikos Kallinis, to the General Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission, according to which “85 million euros from the first pillar and 60 million from direct aid were not paid in 2023”, while for 2024 “another 150 million euros have been lost”.
“The government has proven that it cannot manage crises and has lost its credibility with the European Commission,” argued Vassilis Kokkalis.
Watch the speech of the head of SYRIZA’s agricultural policy in the Parliament: