NEWS

Reshuffle on the cards

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis refused to be drawn into speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle yesterday as he addressed the New Democracy Central Committee, but government sources told Sunday’s Kathimerini that the changes are likely to be announced this week. Plans have not yet been finalized, sources said, but between four and six ministers are set to be transferred or sacked. Up to 12 deputy ministers will also be moved to other departments or removed from government. While addressing members of the ruling conservative party yesterday, Karamanlis gave no indication of the changes that are expected to be unveiled just short of the government’s two-year anniversary of its coming to power in March 2004. «We are at the beginning of 2006. We have a year ahead of us that demands continuity and consistency,» said the premier. «It is a year when the changes and reforms we have passed into law will be fully implemented.» Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, who opinion polls consistently show to be among the most popular ND figures, is the favorite to take up a position in the new Cabinet. Sources indicate that it is most likely that she will become foreign minister to replace the experienced Petros Molyviatis. It is not clear what will happen to Molyviatis, but he is likely to remain in the government in some capacity. Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis is set to leave his post and be installed as New Democracy’s next candidate for mayor of Athens. Former minister Savvas Tsitouridis is the mostly likely candidate to succeed Kaklamanis. Tsitouridis resigned as agriculture minister in September 2004 when it was revealed that his son had transferred from Crete to a prestigious Athens university after claiming he faced a security risk ahead of the Athens Olympics. Certain ministers, including Economy and Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias and Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis, are considered to be safe from any reshuffle. Sources also indicated that some ministries that currently have two deputy ministers, such as Health, Culture and the Interior, will only have one following the reshuffle.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.