Following a cabinet reshuffle, Greece’s new ministers assumed their roles in handover ceremonies held across various ministries after a meeting at Maximos Mansion.
The transitions spotlighted ambitious goals in finance, infrastructure, education, migration, and environmental policy.
At the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, outgoing Vice President Costis Hatzidakis handed over to new Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, forecasting a 2024 primary surplus of 3.5% of GDP—exceeding the 2.5% target—and a total surplus of 0.2%, against an expected 0.7% deficit. Pierrakakis, thanking Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his trust, vowed to prioritise wage increases, housing improvements, economic financing, and job creation, aiming for tangible daily improvements in society and the economy while boosting investment and entrepreneurship.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport saw a warm handover from Christos Staikouras to new Minister Christos Dimas and Deputy Minister Constantinos Kyranakis. Staikouras reflected on 21 months of tackling long-delayed projects, including post-Tempi accident reforms, while Dimas promised to meet specific timelines and goals for this critical portfolio. Meanwhile, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos welcomed new Deputy Ministers Aristos Doxiadis and Lazaros Tsavdaridis, emphasising a new production model focused on industry, research, and innovation.
In education, outgoing Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis announced partnerships between Greek public universities and global leaders like Harvard and Yale, increasing Recovery Fund allocations for university extroversion from €62 million to €82 million as he transitioned to Finance. New Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki pledged a human-centered approach, focusing on quality education and teachers’ welfare.
At the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, new Minister Makis Voridis succeeded Nikos Panagiotopoulos, outlining a firm stance on tackling illegal migration through efficient returns. “I have clear ideological views on migration, and our mandate is to do the maximum,” Voridis stated. Finally, new Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou took over from Theodoros Skylakakis, highlighting sustainability, energy cost reductions, and streamlined bureaucracy, noting Greece’s global leadership in renewable energy development.
The new ministers signal a dynamic agenda as Greece balances economic growth, social progress, and global challenges.