Greece has replaced its migration and asylum minister, Makis Voridis, amid allegations of corruption. Thanos Plevris, a fellow right-winger, has taken over the position after Voridis resigned on Friday to defend himself against claims that he was involved in an organized fraud scheme related to farm subsidies.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigated the case and passed on evidence to the Greek Parliament, which includes allegations of possible involvement by government ministers. However, due to parliamentary immunity laws, members of Parliament enjoy protection from prosecution unless lifted through a vote.
Voridis denied any wrongdoing during his tenure as agricultural development and foods minister, but critics argue that his actions suggest he was aware of the corrupt system and failed to reform it. The new minister, Plevris, has also joined the conservative New Democracy party in 2012 and shares similar ideologies with Voridis.
The change in leadership is seen as a response to the ongoing migration policy under Greece’s hard-right government.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/hard-liner-fellow-winger-head-greeces-migration-asylum-123307984