Greek Government Reshuffle Brings in More Young Technocrats

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ cabinet reshuffle has been described by New Democracy insiders as a ‘major renewal’, providing opportunities for a new generation of leaders. According to officials, the government is shifting towards a younger and more technocratic approach, aiming for greater efficiency and faster decision-making.

Kostis Hatzidakis, former Minister of Finance and now Deputy Prime Minister, has been assigned a broader coordinating role, overseeing economic and production-related ministries. At the same time, Akis Skertsos, Greece’s Minister of State, will handle social and institutional affairs, in addition to his general government coordination responsibilities.

The crucial role of linking economic policy and fiscal achievements with everyday life for Greek citizens, while maintaining strict fiscal discipline, has been entrusted to the new Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis. The 42-year-old technocrat, best known for his leadership in digitizing Greece through gov.gr and non-state universities, will work closely with Hatzidakis to drive economic policy.

Stavros Papastavrou returns to government as Minister of Environment and Energy, marking a notable comeback.

Government insiders reveal that Mitsotakis made a strategic decision to place greater trust in younger politicians, giving them key responsibilities. The reshuffle was announced by 37-year-old Pavlos Marinakis, who has successfully served as Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson for the past two years and will remain in this role.

The critical Infrastructure and Transport Ministry has been assigned to 44-year-old Christos Dimas, with 37-year-old Konstantinos Kyranakis as Deputy Minister for Transport. Kyranakis is credited with the successful implementation of Greece’s land registry reforms. The demographics portfolio at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has been handed to 37-year-old Domna Michailidou, who is also expecting her first child.

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection will now be led by 42-year-old Giannis Kefalogiannis, following his successful tenure as Deputy Minister of Defense. He replaces Vasilis Kikilias, who moves to the Shipping Ministry. At the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, 41-year-old Giorgos Kotsiras takes over the taxation portfolio, while Sofia Zacharaki, also in her early 40s, will now lead the Ministry of Education. Other key young appointments include Kostas Katsafados, now responsible for State Aid as Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, and Theodoros Livanios, who remains Minister of the Interior.

While several experienced New Democracy politicians remain in key roles—such as Giannis Lampropoulos, Thanasis Davakis, Lazaros Tsavdaridis, and Anna Karamanli—Mitsotakis has also brought in high-profile technocrats to critical positions. Nikos Tsafos, a respected energy expert with international recognition, takes over as Deputy Minister of Energy, working under Stavros Papastavrou. Former University Rector Nikos Papaiōannou has been promoted from General Secretary to Deputy Minister for Higher Education, where he will implement major education reforms. Aristos Doxiadis, a leading expert in research and innovation, will serve as Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation, a field in which he has excelled in both Greece and abroad.

A notable feature of the new cabinet, say government insiders, is that there is no recycling of past officials, ensuring a fresh perspective in many ministries. However, some key ministries remained unchanged, such as the Ministry of Health, which is managing preventive health programs and the renovation of healthcare facilities under the EU Recovery Fund. The Ministries of Citizen Protection, Justice, and Development also remained the same, as ongoing policies require continuity.

Source: tovima.com