The government is seeking to close a turbulent chapter following the resignation on Saturday of Deputy Agriculture Minister Makarios Lazaridis.
Officials judged that the political fallout from Lazaridis’ 2007 irregular appointment as a scientific adviser – despite lacking required qualifications – was compounding the damage from the ongoing OPEKEPE farm subsidy case, particularly due to his handling of the controversy. Senior lawmaker Dora Bakoyannis had urged him to resign, saying his continued presence burdened both himself and the government.
In his statement, Lazaridis said he had “fended off attacks with arguments and political dignity” over an issue dating back nearly 20 years. The resignation comes amid heightened political tensions and an inconclusive parliamentary debate tied to the still-evolving OPEKEPE case. Government officials are reassessing strategy as polling indicates a growing share – estimated at 65 to 70% – firmly opposed to the administration, with limited prospects for outreach. With elections approaching within a year, the ruling New Democracy party is increasingly reliant on its core base. To prevent internal fractures, the government has opted to “freeze” action on lawmakers implicated in the case, backing them while awaiting findings from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sought a balanced stance toward European prosecutors, defending institutional respect while criticizing aspects of the case’s handling. He also pledged legislation to accelerate judicial reviews involving lawmakers.