Effort to quash reshuffle rumors
Government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis attempted, seemingly in vain, yesterday to play down expectations of a substantial Cabinet reshuffle over the next few days, as the government increasingly becomes gripped by rumors and wracked by concern about the changes Prime Minister George Papandreou may make. For the past few weeks, it has been rumored that Papandreou will seek to change at least a few of his ministers, with some sources suggesting that the PASOK leader will actually opt for a much more thorough shakeup, which could affect a number of positions. However, Petalotis sought to play down this scenario yesterday, insisting that any changes would be linked to the November local elections, when some ministers or deputy ministers might be chosen to stand as candidates to become the heads of regional authorities. «If a reshuffle happens, it will take place so that any empty spots created by members of the Cabinet leaving for local government can be filled,» he said. However, at the same time, some ministers were letting it be known that the reshuffle will be fairly extensive. They also expressed concern that Papandreou had not attempted to nip any speculation in the bud by quickly announcing his changes. PASOK has to announce its candidates for the local elections by September 3, so it is thought that the prime minister could conduct his reshuffle before then. In the meantime, the Socialists will continue to be divided over the changes, with one camp feeling it is too early to conduct a reshuffle since PASOK has not even been in power a year, and another believing it must happen now so the party can get a boost before facing up to the tough few months ahead.
