The parliamentary investigative committee examining former minister Christos Triantopoulos’ role in the handling of the Tempe disaster site will reconvene for the last time on Monday, April 7, to refer Triantopoulos to the judiciary. This decision was made during the committee’s session on Friday.
The proposal was supported exclusively by ruling New Democracy (ND), while all opposition parties boycotted the vote. They argued that the process violated the Constitution, parliamentary regulations, and criminal law.
Triantopoulos, accused of mishandling the Tempe disaster site, did not appear before the committee but instead submitted a written testimony, in which he maintained his innocence and once again requested to be referred directly to the judiciary.
“I reaffirm my innocence and state that I have committed no criminal or illegal act—whether misconduct or any other offense—on March 3-6, 2023, or at any other time.” Triantopoulos stated. “I hereby declare that I wish for my case to be referred to the regular judiciary,” he added.
PASOK criticized Triantopoulos’ decision not to appear, calling his brief, three-paragraph statement “a blatant act of evasion and cowardice.”
Meanwhile, SYRIZA accused Prime Minister Mitsotakis and New Democracy (ND) of “brutally silencing the truth,” claiming that the inquiry was hastily concluded to prevent witness and expert testimonies.
Earlier in March, Triantopoulos waived his parliamentary immunity, prompting the ruling New Democracy party to argue that there was no need for a parliamentary committee, as the former minister had already relinquished his immunity, allowing the case to be referred directly to the judiciary.
On the other hand, the opposition argues that this move was intended to block witnesses, experts, and testimonies from being called by the committee, potentially leading to additional charges against Triantopoulos or even other government members.
As a result, they contend that the committee should be allowed to continue its work, regardless of Triantopoulos’ decision to waive his immunity.