Parliament ratifies new criminal code bill
Parliament on Thursday ratified the new criminal code bill drafted by the Justice Ministry after a two-day acrimonious debate between the government and the opposition.
The bill, titled “Acceleration and Qualitative Upgrading of the Criminal Trial – Modernization of the Legislative Framework for the Prevention and Combating of Domestic Violence,” was passed solely with the votes of ruling New Democracy lawmakers as opposition parties voted against.
Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis defended the bill, arguing it reduces the sense of impunity, ensures sentences are actually served, fights crime and administers justice with a more efficient system.
“For the first time in the Greek legal order, criminal liability and punishment are being instituted, with severe penalties for companies that bribe but mainly for politicians who are bribed, which from €100,000 now reaches €4 million,” he said.
Opposition parties accused the government of populism, demonizing opposing views, circumventing the rights of the accused, and ejecting the notion that tougher penalties combat crime.
