The investigation would look for indications that the executive, headed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, used such financing to pay favorable news media for the publication of friendly and advantageous polls.

The proposal, introduced by left-wing Syriza party, is based on a recently amended article of the Greek Constitution that allows the creation of inquiry committees if two-fifths of the 300 representatives making up the Hellenic Parliament sign the petition.

Syriza accused the Government, and specifically Mitsotakis, of taking advantage of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic to provide unprecedented financing to the media, amounting to 42 million euros, through expedited ‘totally unclear’ procedures.

Faced with these accusations, the ruling party pointed a finger at the left for doing the same thing while it was in power during the government of Alexis Tsipras (2015-2019), according to the local press.

The former head of government replied that he is not opposed to the committee also investigating the use of public funds during his mandate.

pgh/lcr