Fire in SYRIZA: 2 ministers “forgot” to declare assets and pay taxes

Two ministers of Greek Parliament were found to not have submitted their assets to Greek Parliament as required at a time when the government is being called to vote on a harsh set of 48 austerity measures as part of an omnibus bill submitted on Monday.

Private TV station MEGA reports that one of the two ministers being investigated claims to have “forgotten” to declare a million euros for a period of three years and – in an effort to rectify this “mistake” – has lodged a supplementary statement this year. The other government deputy appears to have shares in a company, indicating a conflict of interest with his government task. It should be noted that share ownership restricts participation in the government council. Findings show that a minister and former minister are embroiled in tax violations.

Former President of the Assets Committee, Despina Haralambidou, says she has briefed  her successors regarding these pending cases. The current head of the committee, George Varemenos, claims he knows nothing about the cases. Sources indicate that the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leadership is aware of teh infringements and that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has already asked to be briefed on the matter.

Speaking to Proto Thema, Haralambidou said that the files are open, and adds that there are another four cases being investigated for the year 2012. She says that 10 members of Greek Parliament failed to even submit their assets statements whereas 31 were unable to justify their assets and 20 appeared to have zero bank deposits.