Athens has authorized the prosecution of Dimitris Avramopoulos, a former European Commission member, by voting to lift his parliamentary immunity. The decision clears the procedural path for Greek authorities to pursue their ongoing investigation into alleged corruption connected to the politician’s tenure.
The move comes after prosecutors in Athens determined there were sufficient grounds to investigate Avramopoulos for suspected corruption. Under Greek law, members of parliament must consent to the removal of immunity before judicial proceedings can commence against sitting legislators.
Avramopoulos served as the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs, and Citizenship from 2014 to 2019. At the time of the ruling on Wednesday, he held the position of president of the Panhellenic Federation of Municipalities.
According to court records, the investigation centers on alleged kickbacks that the former commissioner is suspected of receiving in exchange for using his political influence.
Spectacular. Another investigation cleared just as quickly as it started, I suppose. We shall see if anything actually comes of it.
I had no idea this was happening. Does this implicate other former EU commissioners from that era too?
Finally, some accountability for our politicians. It is about time they faced justice instead of hiding behind immunity.