The head of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), Laura Covesi, sent a strong message in all directions during a press conference at the Delphi International Economic Forum. Speaking about the scandal of the OPECPEPE, Ms Covessi referred to the investigations underway, the problem of underfunding of the institution and the systematic attacks on the Public Prosecutor's Office.
«Corruption is not a way of life for Greeks»
Describing again the OPEKEPE as «an acronym for corruption», Mrs.Kovesi clarified that the competent authorities investigate each of the many cases concerning the Organization separately, clarifying that for the Prosecutor's Office «there are no small and big crimes».
At the same time, he wanted to send a message of confidence to citizens, stressing: «There are millions of Greeks who believe that corruption is not a way of life», noting that she trusts society and knows that it in turn trusts the Justice and the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
Open cases in Greece
Asked whether there are other cases being investigated in our country and whether politicians are involved, the EPPO head replied that there are open files on tax evasion, fraud and rigged tenders, noting however that at this stage she does not know whether politicians are involved.
The battle of resources: «We are smarter than them»
He made special reference to the burning issue of funding and understaffing. Comparing the resources of the DA's office with those of organized crime, he said, «We are behind the criminal organizations in funding, but we are smarter than them.» She expressed hope that the problem of lack of resources in Greece would be resolved immediately, following contacts with the relevant ministries in order to identify «all the criminals».
Catapult for criticism and misinformation
Mrs Covesi did not ignore the attacks and the attempt to discredit her work, taking the situation with a sneer: «Let's take it as a challenge that you have to read the newspapers every day to see what mistake they have invented for your work.».
He closed the press conference by throwing down the gauntlet to critics of the institution with a very clear warning: «Anyone who has a complaint against the European Public Prosecutor's Office, I expect to see him at the European Court of Justice».
