Samaras files suit against Tsipras, claiming plot behind bribery claims

Former conservative prime minister Antonis Samaras has filed a suit against current Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of being behind a plot to tarnish opposition politicians by implicating them in the Novartis bribery claims.

"Today, I am filing a suit against the prime minister," Samaras said in a statement on Thursday. "He is responsible for the horrible conspiracy that is being put together. It has been so badly designed that it is falling apart on its own."

Samaras argued that the government rushed to bring forward allegations that 10 politicians accepted bribes from the Swiss pharmaceutical firm, noting that the case file was sent by anti-corruption prosecutors to Parliament a day after a large protest in Athens over the Macedonia name issue.

"At a time when Greece is facing major challenges and threats, they are trying to defame their...