After furor, gov’t withdraws provision on MPs’ offshore involvement

Government spokeswoman Olga Gerovassili on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of a provision passed in a recent multi-bill that removed a blanket ban on lawmakers and public officials from being involved in offshore firms.

The withdrawal of the provision came in the wake of fiery criticism from the opposition and also from parts of the coalition and leftist media, who questioned its intentions and suggested it allowed too much leeway in terms of public officials’ overall activity in businesses abroad.

Gerovassili said a new provision will be presented to Parliament on Wednesday addressing the concerns posed by critics.