The Greek Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of establishing a Special Parliamentary Committee to conduct a preliminary investigation into former Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kostas Achilleas Karamanlis.
The motion, proposed by the ruling New Democracy (ND) party, passed with 154 votes in favor, 13 against, and 1 abstention during a secret ballot in the Plenary Session.
The investigation will examine allegations of breach of duty (a misdemeanor offense) related to Karamanlis’ tenure as minister. The committee will consist of 26 members and is expected to submit its findings within two months of its formation, according to First Deputy Parliament Speaker Yiannis Plakiotakis.
Opposition Abstains or Absent
Several opposition parties, including SYRIZA, the Communist Party (KKE), and New Left, abstained from the vote. Additionally, independent MPs Antonis Samaras, Pavlos Sarakis, and Diamantis Karamanastasis (from the "Plefsi Eleftherias" party) were absent.
Other Motions Rejected
Meanwhile, the Plenary Session rejected two other proposals:
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A motion by PASOK calling for investigations against former ministers and deputy ministers, including Karamanlis, Christos Spirtzis, Michalis Papadopoulos, Ioannis Kefalogiannis, and others.
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A joint proposal by Greek Solution, Niki, Plefsi Eleftherias, and six independent MPs (from the "Democratic Movement") targeting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Karamanlis, current Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ioannis Kefalogiannis, former Deputy Ministers, and other officials.
The decision marks a significant step in the ongoing political scrutiny surrounding the Tempe train disaster and other controversies linked to the Infrastructure Ministry. The Special Committee’s findings could have major implications for the involved politicians.
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