Margaritis Schoinas defends Greek agricultural subsidy regulation

Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schoinas, has defended a new regulation concerning agricultural subsidies for the 2018–2022 period. The measure aims to resolve issues facing approximately 50,000 legitimate farmers who were found to have met the necessary conditions for aid at the time, but whose cases became complicated due to subsequent forest service findings.

Addressing the Greek Parliament, Schoinas denied allegations from the opposition that the move seeks to legalize fraudulent activities or fictitious land use. He emphasized that the regulation targets real and eligible activities that were verified through previous inspections. He stated, “We are not changing or legitimizing fake areas or imaginary activity,” and noted that anyone who made false declarations will continue to be investigated by the authorities.

Schoinas also accused the opposition of hypocrisy, claiming they had previously requested similar legislative initiatives through parliamentary questions. He pledged to submit technical improvements to the bill to ensure transparency and remove any suspicion of impropriety.