His first reaction to OPEKEPE’s file forwarded to Parliament, which refers to his name, was given by Minister of Immigration Makis Voridis, speaking to SKAI. As he said, once he received a copy of the file, he feels calmer as the case is limited to a single element.
“I received a copy of the case file. When the issue was announced by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, I said that you citizens do not know what I have done and what not. I know what I’ve done. So I had said then without seeing the case file that there is nothing epileptic. I do not hide that I had a concept, but yesterday I am more relieved that what had seen the light as a controller is all that exists in the case file, “he said.
Explaining the nature of his name reference, he said: “A decision of OPECEPE’s 2019 administration to distribute pasture, in which I had written the word ‘I agree’. That’s it. ” At the same time, he stressed that “I have no conversation with any farmer”.
Mr Voridis clarified that he had just assumed his duties as Minister of Rural Development and had asked the OPECEPE administration – which had been appointed under the SYRIZA government – to remain in place to make the necessary payments.
“For this signature I control me. There is no consent, no speech, no command, no communication with the administration to give money, nor my conversation with a farmer or farmer to give money. OPECEPE’s decision is a ministerial decision and is not mine, but of the previous government. “
The minister reiterated that the case involved nothing more than that and made it clear that he considers control legitimate, but there is no reason to worry about his own involvement.