With its decision No 411/2026, the Athens Court of First Instance fully vindicates Paraskevi Tycheropoulou, annulling the decision of the former Babasidis administration, which had removed her unexpectedly from the position of Director of Internal Audit of OPEKEPE. Ms Tycheropoulou had been demoted to the Protocol Department, with no real responsibilities and with her access to the Agency's information system ’cut off«.
«Catapulting» the Court's decision The Court of First Instance found this action to be clearly unlawful and abusive. As stated, her removal was not based on objective criteria of service, but constituted unfavourable and vindictive treatment, precisely because her attitude was not «to the liking» of the administration.
On the contrary, the judges recognised her vast experience, competence and expertise in the field of controls. The Court emphasised that Ms Tycheropoulou carried out her duties with absolute professionalism, consistency and commitment to legality - qualities confirmed by her parallel role as a specialist in the Greek Office of European Public Prosecutors. Her move to a «refrigerator» position was considered a complete demotion of service.
What the verdict orders After completely rejecting the Administration's arguments, the Court ordered the following:
- Immediate repositioning: Return of Ms Tycheropoulou to the position of Internal Audit Director. In case of refusal to comply, a fine of EUR 100 per day of delay will be imposed.
- Salary restoration: Covering all the financial losses suffered in the previous period.
- Compensation: Payment of a sum of money for the non-material damage caused by its demotion.
- Court costs: Full coverage of its legal costs by the Agency.
