Thanos Plevris Succeeds Makis Voridis as Greece's Migration and Asylum Minister Amid Fraud Allegations

A hard-right politician has taken over as Greece's migration and asylum minister, replacing a fellow right-wing figure accused of fraud. Thanos Plevris, 48, steps into the role after Makis Voridis, 60, resigned to address allegations of involvement in a fraudulent scheme related to farm subsidies. The European Public Prosecutors Office investigated the case and submitted a detailed report to the Greek Parliament.

Voridis, in his resignation letter, denied any illegal actions. He stated that he stepped down to clear his name. During his time as agricultural development and foods minister from July 2019 to January 2021, he claimed to have capped individual subsidies and initiated numerous investigations. Critics argue these actions indicate his awareness of the corrupt subsidy system without taking steps to reform it.

Political Shifts and Replacements

On Friday, four other lawmakers also resigned. Among them were three former deputy ministers from the Agricultural Policy Ministry and a current deputy minister. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced their replacements on Saturday, noting they will be sworn in on Monday.

Plevris is not expected to alter Greece's strict migration policies. Like Voridis and current Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, Plevris joined the conservative New Democracy party in 2012 after leaving the right-populist Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS).

Voridis' Political Journey

Before joining LAOS in 2006, Voridis led the youth wing of the far-right National Political Union. He was appointed by jailed former dictator George Papadopoulos. Voridis succeeded Nikos Michaloliakos, who later founded the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party and is now serving a prison sentence for leading a criminal gang.

Voridis established his own far-right party, Hellenic Front, participating in various elections between 1994 and 2004. In 2000, he allied with Konstantinos Plevris, Thanos Plevris' father, who is known as a far-right activist and self-proclaimed "proud fascist." Voridis has been a lawmaker since 2007.

Voridis' Reputation and Current Stance

Despite his controversial past, Voridis is regarded as a political heavyweight. Many believe that if not for his far-right history and occasional violent tendencies, he could have been a potential conservative leader. He now identifies as an economic liberal and describes himself as a "non-extreme" nationalist.

The Greek Parliament holds the power to lift immunity from prosecution for its members through a parliamentary vote. This immunity is crucial in cases like Voridis', where allegations involve government ministers.

With inputs from PTI