Greek government-debt crisis

More than two months after the general election that brought it to power, center-right New Democracy retains a strong lead of 13.5 percentage points over leftist SYRIZA, according to a new opinion poll carried out by Pulse for Skai TV.

There can be no doubt that the very real Novartis scandal was never really investigated in depth but instead was used to slander and politically annihilate a number of politicians whom the previous government viewed as enemies.

Undoubtedly the leadership of SYRIZA exploited the baseless charges to target these particular individuals.

Former alternate justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos hit back on Thursday over allegations that he attempted to influence an ongoing inquiry into the alleged bribery scandal involving Swiss drugs manufacturer Novartis to incriminate political rivals.

Center-right New Democracy is to propose the creation of a special investigative committee to probe former alternate justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos in connection with possible interventions in the alleged bribery scandal involving Swiss drugs manufacturer Novartis, ND's party secretary Stavros Kalafatis said in a written statement on Wednesday. 

The Supreme Court prosecutor's office has proposed an investigation into the possible mishandling of the alleged Novartis bribery case by former alternate justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos with the knowledge of ex prime minister Alexis Tsipras.
The case file was opened in Parliament on Wednesday after it was sent by the prosecutor's office on Monday.

Ruling New Democracy (ND) leads by a wide margin over main opposition SYRIZA in the first poll conducted by MRB after the national elections earlier this year.
Asked who they would vote if elections were held now, 36.4 percent of respondents said ND, versus 21.9 percent for SYRIZA.

Greek Parliament is reportedly expected to propose the formation of a House committee to investigate the handling by former Justice Minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos of the alleged bribery scandal involving prominent politicians and the Novartis pharmaceutical company.

The Greek government is considering separating the case file on the alleged intervention of former justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos and former prime minister Alexis Tsipras in the ongoing Novartis inquiry, and agreeing to the creation of a special investigative committee only for the former, according to information.

The transformation of Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) is back on the table ahead of crucial decisions for the privatization of the utility that is 65 percent owned by the state privatizations fund (TAIPED) and 35 percent owned by Hellenic Petroleum (HELPE).

The Supreme Court's prosecutor's office sent to Parliament on Friday a file on the ongoing inquiry into the handling of the Novartis case, so that MPs can decide whether to lift the immunity of politicians named.