A bombshell document brought to light today by BN proves that Makis Voridis committed perjury before the Inquiry Committee. The document was sent by the then-President of OPEKEPE, Grigoris Varras, on July 27, 2020. In this document, Mr. Varras not only rings the alarm bell for the Minister regarding the excessive increase in livestock capital in Crete but also submits a series of proposals to address the issue. However, Mr. Voridis, testifying at the Inquiry, not only concealed the document but falsely stated that he had received nothing from Mr. Varras.
The big lie
Specifically, Mr. Voridis stated: "Mr. Varras joins the management of OPEKEPE. Is that not so? Did he not come? When did he come? In November 2019. Correct? A technocrat? Tremendous. Very good. Does he know the subject? He knows it. Has he worked on it? He has. An expert? An expert. Certainly much more than me, by far. What did he propose to us? What did OPEKEPE, from November 2019—via a document where the increase in livestock capital was identified and accepted—until November 5, 2020, the day of Mr. Varras's resignation, propose to us regarding this? Nothing! No-thing!"
The tricks
It is clear what Mr. Voridis is doing here. He is concealing the major fact: that on July 27, 2020, he received an extremely detailed Confidential Document from Varras raising the issue of both changing the Technical Solution distribution and the beyond-all-measure, excessive increase in animals. He never responded to this document. His only response was the demand for Varras's removal. Following the same pattern, the cronies of the Criminal Organization within OPEKEPE said nothing to the Inquiry—individuals we will return to with a detailed report. The issue that arises is that instead of taking Varras's documented urge not to sign the Technical Solution for 2020 as sincere, he adopted the views of his courtiers at OPEKEPE and the mechanism of the Criminal Organization. He appointed Mr. Fanis Pappas as President, who, along with Melas and Reppa, distributed the National Reserve beyond all limits. Essentially, the document proves that Makis Voridis knew everything about the livestock, the distortions, and the illegalities, and consciously signed the "Approved" mandate.
Argumentation for the "APPROVED" mandate
In his testimony on September 7, 2025, he not only feigned ignorance but argued in favor of the "Approved" mandate. He stated, among other things: "Allow me to read, Mr. Chairman. Article 19 says: 'For the transitional period until the approval of the grazing management plans... the distribution of eligible pastures to the country's livestock farmers is carried out according to the 2015 joint decision... which is modified by decision of the Ministers.' ...So, we solved that too, because I heard a claim—again from one and only witness—Mr. Varras, that he did me a favor by not bringing it to me. He protected me. He would never bring me something like that. Not bringing it to me means he is making me commit a breach of duty. And I continue. Fine, we solved that too. Therefore, it is both legal and mandatory by law, and the signature must be placed."
Tricks to create impressions against Varras
Simultaneously, he does something else. He creates a climate against Varras by claiming the latter had been informed by the services but turned a deaf ear. He characteristically mentions: "June 23, 2020, Protocol Number 38433. A document from the Directorate of Market Supports and the Directorate of Technical Audits. To the Management Office, for the attention of President Varras and Vice President Melas. Briefing Note, 'Distribution of Public Pastures.' They point out to him that livestock capital has increased and propose measures... they propose a horizontal linear reduction. They inform him and propose various measures starting from May 31. I submit this to you. What would you expect, ladies and gentlemen? You are Ministers of Rural Development, such an internal document exists, the President of the Organization receives it, and what would you expect? Would you not expect him to come, inform you, and say 'I propose we do this'? What does Mr. Varras choose? On October 30, 2020, he asks the Service to implement the Kaprelis solution, what he did in 2019. Indeed. And how is this solved? It is solved by the distribution Pappas makes in 2020. Because what does Pappas do in 2020? He takes the Service's recommendation and makes a horizontal reduction, setting a ceiling of 20 hectares in Crete."
Nikos Karoutzos
nkaroutzos@gmail.com
www.bankingnews.gr
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