Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a cabinet reshuffle on Friday, aiming to regain public trust and reset his administration in the wake of mounting public outrage over the alleged cover-up of the 2023 Tempi rail disaster. The move comes as his government faces increasing pressure over its handling of the tragedy, which claimed 57 lives.
In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Greece, demanding accountability and justice for the victims of Tempi. The demonstrations reflect widespread frustration with the government’s response and its perceived failure to address safety concerns in the country’s rail network.
Meanwhile, opinion polls indicate a decline in support for the ruling conservative government, while opposition parties—such as the anti-establishment Course of Freedom and the nationalist Greek Solution—have gained traction among voters.
The latest MRB poll, published last week, shows that a majority of citizens (57.5 percent) support early elections. In terms of voting intentions, the ruling New Democracy party has 20 percent support, followed by the socialist PASOK at 11.5 percent. Course of Freedom ranks third with 9 percent, while Greek Solution follows with 8.5 percent.
The government spokesman announced that Kyriakos Pierrakakis, former Education minister becomes the new Minister of Finance in place of Kostis Hatzidakis who moves to the Prime Minister’s office as Deputy PM.
Nikos Papathanasis, in charge of the EU’s Recovery Fund and considered close to Mitsotakis remains in the Ministry of Finance.
Sofia Zacharaki moves from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family to the Ministry of Education, with Domna Michaelidou taking over her position with Elena Rapti as Deputy Minister, who leaves the Ministry of Tourism and is replaced by Anna Karamanli.
Christos Dimas is appointed at the helm of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, while the Deputy Minister of Transport will be Konstantinos Kyranakis.
Makis Voridis takes over the reins of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum with the MP for Chania, Sevi Voloudaki, as Deputy Minister.
Stavros Papastavrou returns to the government and will lead the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Vassilis Kikilias is moving from the Ministry of Civil Protection and taking over the Ministry of Shipping.
The key foreign affairs and defense portfolios remain unchanged.
On Thursday Konstantinos Tasoulas was sworn in as the new President of Greece succeeding Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first woman president.
The President of the Hellenic Republic has mostly a ceremonial role. The President is elected by Parliament and serves a term of five years. He or she has the right to re-election only once.
Related: Hundreds of Thousands Join Rallies in Greece for the Tempi Disaster
