Government moves quickly to contain fallout

The authorities moved swiftly to incorporate governmental fallout from a lawsuit record concerning OPEKEPE, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ordering contiguous furniture changes soon aft the dossier was formally transmitted to Parliament.

Kostas Tsiaras was replaced by Margaritis Schinas, while Giannis Kefalogiannis was replaced by Evangelos Tournas. The determination reflects a strategy by the premier minister’s bureau to code governmental repercussions from the caller lawsuit record successful a abbreviated timeframe and forestall escalation.

At the aforesaid time, a antiaircraft enactment is being shaped regarding ruling enactment lawmakers – existent and erstwhile – who are referenced successful the investigation. Former ministers Spilios Livanos and Fotini Arabatzi whitethorn beryllium referred to a judicial council. Authorities are besides considering whether to petition the resignation from parliamentary seats of Konstantinos A. Karamanlis and Katerina Papakosta, while others could beryllium excluded from electoral lists depending connected their level of involvement.

The reshuffle was carried retired successful what was described arsenic expedited procedures, within hours of the dossier’s submission by the European prosecutor. The accelerated effect signals a broader strategy to show that “when there is simply a problem, enactment is taken immediately,” aiming to incorporate the contented and negociate it within controlled limits.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced further changes, including the assignment of Makarios Lazaridis arsenic lawman minister, replacing Christos Kellas. The station held by Dimitris Vartzopoulos will not beryllium filled, with responsibilities redistributed internally. Swearing-in is scheduled for Saturday astatine the Presidential Mansion.

Officials accidental the changes besides bespeak a strategic displacement successful the Agriculture Ministry toward modernization and alignment with ongoing reforms, including the transfer of OPEKEPE to tax authorities and improved use of European resources. Schinas’ assignment is seen arsenic signaling a technocratic attack with European experience.

Beyond the cabinet, ruling enactment caput Kostas Skrekas resigned, with Stelios Kontadakis assuming the relation temporarily until a enactment legislature successful May. Lawmaker Notis Mitarakis besides stepped down from a parliamentary typical relation aft being named successful the dossier.

The developments travel arsenic the authorities faces continued governmental unit and speculation astir aboriginal elections, alongside expectations that further lawsuit files whitethorn follow.