Parliamentary committee discusses misuse of document classification by executive branch

On November 4, 2026, the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions held a session to address the systematic misuse of document classification by the executive branch. Initiated by MP Irene Charalambidou of the 'Alma' movement, the discussion highlighted that government ministries frequently apply confidentiality stamps to avoid transparency and parliamentary oversight. Notable examples include inquiries regarding the Presidential armored vehicle, which officials reportedly withheld from scrutiny using unnecessary classifications.

During the hearing, committee chairman Dimitris Dimitriou criticized the executive's persistent refusal to provide requested documents, citing a broader breakdown in trust between the legislative and executive branches. Colonel Alexis Hatziprokopis, head of the National Security Authority, noted that Administrative Regulatory Act 291/2025 provides a legal framework for such issues, warning that officials who classify documents without legitimate national security grounds face potential criminal liability and administrative fines. Participants agreed on the urgent need for training public officials to ensure proper application of the law.

Following these developments, MP Charalambidou announced plans to introduce a legislative proposal aimed at curbing these practices and improving public accountability. The committee remains focused on fostering a culture of transparency, emphasizing that document classification should strictly serve national security rather than circumventing public scrutiny.