08/07/2025
Epirus Region: Tensions Escalate Over OPEKEPE Controversy
The clash between Alexandros Kahrimanis, the Governor of Epirus, and Stefanos Zoubas, leader of the opposition party "Epirus All Together," has significantly intensified after a heated argument during the Regional Committee session. This comes on the heels of multiple statements from the opposition party regarding the OPEKEPE (Agricultural Payments Agency) and the alleged involvement of the Kahrimanis family in an ongoing investigation by the European Prosecutor's Office.
Zoubas took to Facebook to reiterate his earlier remark at the Regional Committee, where he referred to Kahrimanis as "the first public servant of Epirus." Zoubas highlighted that the Governor regularly criticizes public servants, especially when addressing him and George Prentzas, while emphasizing that Kahrimanis' children have chosen private-sector careers instead.
Zoubas’ Facebook post states:
"Governor Cornered!"
"Check out my exchange with the Governor at the Regional Committee."
Stefanos Zoubas: "You’ve been providing daily explanations on the OPEKEPE matter, and that’s the right thing to do..."
Alexandros Kahrimanis: "Not all of us are public servants."
Stefanos Zoubas: "You are a public servant, and in fact, you are the first public servant in Epirus. I’ve always said that those who serve in public life should leave poorer than when they started."
Alexandros Kahrimanis: "What you said is offensive... I’ve been transparent about everything, the entire family... Go raise cattle... You're focusing on my children..."
Stefanos Zoubas: "I didn’t mention your children. I just said that you are the first public servant in Epirus."
Alexandros Kahrimanis: "As Kahrimanis, my assets have remained unchanged... My children work tirelessly; you shouldn’t bring them into this."
SUMMARY:
Governor Alexandros Kahrimanis views his position as more of a personal domain than a public office. When challenged on his role as a public servant, he reacted defensively, turning the conversation into a personal attack on his family, late-night work, and livestock. When faced with a lack of valid arguments, he resorts to portraying himself as a target of "organized interests" allegedly waging a campaign against him for exposing "scandals." Despite years in power, Kahrimanis still plays the martyr.
It’s striking that the Governor reacted so strongly not to the charges and responsibilities piling up around the region, but to the mere reminder of his role as a public servant. His response, focusing on his family and livestock rather than engaging with the political issues at hand, shows that Epirus needs a leader who embraces responsibility and accountability, not a ruler stuck in outdated practices.
#ΚρίσηΗπείρου #ΈρευναΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ #ΔημόσιοΌχιΙδιόκτητο #ΚαχριμάνηςΖούμπας #ΛογοδοσίαΗπείρου #ΕυρωπαίοςΕισαγγελέας #ΠολιτικήΔιαφάνεια #ΠεριφερειάρχηςΣεΠίεση #ΗπειροςΑξίζειΚαλύτερα
