Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis departed for Hania on Thursday, carrying with him briefing files on the rule of law, rising prices and the farm subsidies case, as the government prepares its post-Easter strategy.

The trip to Crete comes ahead of a parliamentary debate scheduled for Thursday, where allegations about illegal wiretaps are expected to dominate proceedings. In the debate, requested by PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, Mitsotakis is expected to argue that the case “concerns private individuals” and to accuse PASOK of “investing in toxicity.”

Government officials say the discussion will be approached “with great caution,” acknowledging potential pitfalls. They anticipate a confrontational session, with Androulakis seen escalating his criticism, accusing the government of failing to safeguard the rule of law and renewing calls for snap elections. Mitsotakis is expected to defend his administration by highlighting institutional measures taken since the wiretapping scandal emerged, aimed at preventing similar incidents. He is also expected to reference a recent judicial ruling that, according to the government, “concerns private individuals” and does not implicate the state.

Beyond the debate, the government is focusing on three key issues after Easter.

The first is inflation, with officials closely watching whether recently announced measures can ease pressure on households or whether public dissatisfaction will deepen. Uncertainty remains, as the course of the Mideast war remains unpredictable, raising concerns about further economic strain and possible political costs. The economy, officials acknowledge, is likely to be the decisive factor in upcoming national elections. A third major issue involves the OPEKEPE farm subsidy scandal, where ongoing legal proceedings, internal party tensions and uncertainty over potential new case files pose challenges.

The government plans a step-by-step approach, prioritizing swift progress in the cases involving 11 conservative officials. “This situation cannot drag on, placing not only political figures but the government and the political system under strain,” a government source said.

With expectations of additional case files in May, officials stress the need to resolve current cases first, so that any new developments do not compound existing pressures.

Source: Ekathimerini.com