Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proposed on Monday barring cabinet ministers from simultaneously serving as members of parliament after the next general election, as his government faces mounting pressure over a European Union subsidy investigation.
The proposal would require ministers to give up their parliamentary seats while in office, with their positions temporarily filled by the next eligible candidates on party lists. Mitsotakis said the move would strengthen the role of lawmakers and improve institutional accountability.
The announcement comes after three ministers resigned last week, prompting a cabinet reshuffle, following a request by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to lift immunity for 11 lawmakers as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of EU agricultural subsidies.
The case has sparked public anger in Greece and raised concerns among farmers, as authorities examine whether funds were improperly allocated.
Mitsotakis said not all cases carried the same weight and stressed that no lawmakers had been formally accused of personal financial gain. He called on prosecutors to proceed swiftly once parliamentary immunity is lifted.
“We are talking about our MPs who have already suffered personal and political harm,” he said, adding that they must be given the opportunity to defend themselves.
The prime minister described the proposal as part of a broader effort to modernize Greece’s political system and tackle corruption, which has long been seen as a structural issue in the country.
“This is a turning point… a new starting point in the fight against the ‘deep state’,” he said, adding that digital reforms would help reduce opportunities for corruption.
Mitsotakis’ conservative government, now in its seventh year, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months as the EU probe unfolds.
The government has not specified whether the proposed change would require constitutional amendments, but said it would apply from the 2027 elections onward.