[ad_1]
“There is a constitutional provision that states that only the parliament has the power to investigate and prosecute members or former members of the Greek government,” Kovesi said, adding that the commission recognizes that Greece must update its policies. He added that there is. law.
But in a growing number of countries, there is little hope that authorities will change their laws in a way that will make it easier for European prosecutors to pursue criminals (and politicians). A recent study published at the request of the European Commission found that many member states are making it difficult for the EPPO to function effectively within their jurisdictions in terms of independence and compliance with EU law. was pointed out.
For example, Slovakia introduced an expedited procedure to reform its criminal law and began dissolving the Special Public Prosecutor’s Office, which handles corruption cases, including those related to senior members of Robert Fico’s ruling Smer party.
“We are very concerned about that,” Kovesi said, adding that he had written to the committee to share his concerns.
“We had the same reaction when we talked about Slovenia, where the government wants to lower the penalties for fraud cases, which will result in the closure of many cases, which is effectively an amnesty. ”
The EPPO also finds itself in a delicate position regarding the Commission’s own investigations.
In 2022, the EPPO filed a lawsuit related to vaccine procurement following hundreds of complaints from the public regarding Pfizergate (controversy surrounding Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the fact that she A dispute over text messages allegedly exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla (the company’s largest coronavirus vaccine deal).
But don’t worry, Kovesi said. Because if her team comes under pressure, “this will be public anyway, so you’ll know.”
[ad_2]
Source link
