A confidential document obtained by Phileleftheros has raised serious questions over the effectiveness of the mechanism monitoring former government officials who move into the private sector.
The document reveals that former Energy Minister Georgios Lakkotrypis was granted permission by a special three-member committee in July 2021 to join the board of ElvalHalcor S.A. However, no record of this authorisation exists within the House of Representatives, despite a legal requirement for the committee to inform Parliament in writing of all such decisions.
The discrepancy was highlighted by MP Irene Charalambides, who requested all records of permits issued to Mr Lakkotrypis during the two-year “cooling-off” period following his departure from the ministry in July 2020. While Parliament holds records for eight authorisations, sources suggest Mr Lakkotrypis actually received a total of 13 permits for various board memberships and consultancy roles.
The 2007 law prohibits former officials from taking private sector positions for two years unless they receive a waiver from an independent committee. This committee, comprised of representatives from the Law Office, the Audit Office, and the Treasury, is legally mandated to notify the President of the Republic, the President of Parliament, and the Attorney General of its rulings.
The committee reportedly follows a strict protocol, sending confidential notifications to Parliament alongside a proof-of-delivery form. Andreas Christodoulou, Parliament’s acting director, said he could not comment on past handovers as he only recently assumed his duties, but pledged to ensure all future procedures are followed.
The missing records have intensified scrutiny of the “revolving door” between government and the private sector, particularly following a video alleging corruption at the Presidential Palace. An independent criminal investigator, Andreas Paschalides, has been appointed to lead a wider probe into these allegations.