President admits there is political responsibility in Matsakis scandal

PRESIDENT Tassos Papadopoulos yesterday conceded there was political responsibility in the case of MEP Marios Matsakis, who allegedly sought £10,000 to help acquit a police officer involved in an attempted manslaughter case. But Papadopoulos insisted that any responsibility should be applied through legislation.

The case came to light around two weeks ago when Politis published a police report detailing the meetings and telephone conversations between the MEP and the officer, which took place early in April.

Despite knowing about the case since April 23, Papadopoulos failed to brief his party, claiming he had based his actions on a ruling by the attorney-general who said the evidence in the case was insufficient.

In a new ruling last week, Solon Nikitas gave the police the green light to launch an investigation but stressed that investigators could not question Matsakis for the time being.

The findings of that investigation are expected before the end of this week.

Papadopoulos conceded there was political responsibility in the case but was quick to wonder how one could be made culpable.

The President was replying to an observation made by a reporter that his partners in the government, EDEK and AKEL, in addition to opposition DISY were insisting on Matsakis’ political culpability.

“Of course there are political responsibilities,” Papadopoulos said.

He added: “How are political responsibilities enforced by the President of the republic; without laws? Arbitrarily?”

Papadopoulos asserted that when political responsibility carried consequences and sanctions it should be enforced through the law, if the rule of law is followed.

Asked to comment on charges that he used legalistic theories to explain he stance, Papadopoulos said that if enforcing the law and abiding by the constitution are considered legalistic theory then those who say these things have missed the meaning of the term.

“I enforce the authorities given to me by the constitution and the law or else I’m illegal and arbitrary,” the President added.

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