Budget debate ignites Parliament: farmers, OPEKEPE scandal and rule-of-law claims fuel fierce clashes

Amid farmers’ mobilisations and the unfolding OPEKEPE subsidy scandal, Greece’s parliamentary debate on the 2026 State Budget has escalated into a high-stakes political showdown. While the government promotes a narrative of stability and international credibility, the opposition rejects the success story, framing the process as a prelude to a no-confidence moment ahead of the final vote.

Farmers and OPEKEPE: a widening fault line

The agricultural crisis dominated proceedings. Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras urged farmers to abandon road blockades and engage in dialogue, insisting that “the era of unchecked subsidies is over” and promising a transparent reboot of OPEKEPE in 2026.

Opposition parties fired back in unison, accusing the government of social division, blaming farmers for systemic failures, and attempting to whitewash responsibilities linked to subsidy abuse. Across the aisle, the message was clear: farmers are owed money—they are not asking for favours.

Policing, protests and the “Greek FBI”

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis firmly denied allegations of plastic-bullet use during clashes in Crete, calling such claims fabrications. He pointed to ongoing investigations by the so-called Greek FBI, noting thousands of tax IDs checked and €33 million frozen over illegally claimed subsidies.

The opposition countered with allegations of excessive policing and intimidation of social protest.

Rule of law under fire

Tensions peaked during a personal and institutional clash between Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis and leaders of the left. Accusations over the state of the rule of law, party legitimacy, and political morality dominated the exchange, pushing the debate well beyond fiscal policy and exposing deep institutional mistrust.

Energy policy: calls for consensus, claims of opacity

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou appealed for cross-party consensus on hydrocarbons and energy security, citing national interest and major international players. The opposition responded with charges of opacity, warning of energy poverty and criticising what they called communication-driven policy without proper parliamentary scrutiny.

Health funding and social policy

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis sparked outrage after a confrontational intervention defending increased health spending. Opposition MPs accused the government of undermining the NHS, pointing to projected funding gaps in the medium-term framework and warning of systemic downgrading.

Political takeaway

Far from a routine fiscal exercise, the 2026 Budget has become a flashpoint for broader political conflict—blending social unrest, institutional criticism and mounting pressure on the government. With farmers still on the streets and investigations ongoing, the leaders’ debate and final vote will test not only the Budget’s passage, but the government’s political resilience in the months ahead.

Source: pagenews.gr