Greece's Political Shake-up Over EU Farm Subsidy Scandal

Amidst a growing investigation into European Union farm subsidy fraud, three Greek ministers resigned on Friday. Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras, Civil Protection Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis, and Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos voluntarily stepped down, asserting their innocence while aiming to aid the investigation.

The investigation, spearheaded by European chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi, focuses on alleged misconduct by a Greek state agency that failed to prevent fraudulent claims for EU funds. Public anger has been rising, particularly within Greece's farming sector, which has been rocked by protests over delayed subsidy payments.

In a swift cabinet reshuffle, the center-right government appointed former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas as the new agriculture minister. This marks the second wave of resignations tied to the ongoing scandal that has already seen significant protests across the nation.