Way paved for probe of former minister

The countdown has begun for the launch of a special parliamentary committee to probe the possible mishandling by former alternate justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos of the alleged bribery scandal involving prominent politicians and the Novartis pharmaceutical company after the submission Thursday of the relevant proposal by 30 New Democracy lawmakers - the number required by law.
The proposal will have to be discussed within 22 days of its submission to Parliament, which means it will be debated by October 20 at the latest.
After the debate, lawmakers will vote on whether to form a committee of inquiry. At least 151 MPs must vote in favor, and given that ruling New Democracy has a majority in Parliament, there is little doubt that the committee will be set up. The House will then have to select its members and decide on the deadline by which it will have to submit...