Debate opens on parliamentary inquiry committee

Debate opened in parliament on Friday morning on a motion tabled by main opposition PASOK party for the establishment of a parliamentary preliminary investigation committee into controversial State-Vatopedi Monastery land transactions, with the abstention of the ruling New Democracy (ND) MPs, while the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) deputies walked out of the proceedings.

The debate comes just two days after Parliament unanimously adopted a ruling New Democracy motion to set up a Parliamentary fact-finding commission on the politically charged Vatopedi Monastery land exchanges with the state. Following a debate, the House adopted the proposal without resorting to a roll-call vote since no party expressed opposition to the proposal.