The government is rushing to close the open fronts and it is only a matter of time before the announcement of who will take over key positions. The aim is to immediately close any outstanding issues, as the package of measures that the Prime Minister will announce at the Thessaloniki International Fair is also pending.
The time is counting down to the announcements of the new secretaries-general, which could even be made tomorrow.
In response to a question about the criteria by which the selection is made, government representative Pavlos Marinakis stressed that “obviously the selection criteria for a person entering this position for the first time is their resume, their capabilities, their life path. This is what the Prime Minister is considering”.
He noted that “it is a given that the core of the composition of the Secretaries General and the Government is the ND, but not with the exclusive criterion of being in the ND” and added “we are all judged in practice, we are all constantly evaluated”.
The changes immediately – Who will benefit?
The goal is to make the changes immediately so that the new secretaries-general have a chance in August – when the pace is a little more relaxed – to adapt to their new roles. At the same time, it is no secret that in some cases ministers and secretaries general don’t have the best… chemistry and the goal is to be done where necessary the necessary changes.
According to information, the party’s former press officer could be used Tasos Gaitanis (at the Ministry of Development), the former mayor of Kallithea Dimitris Karnavos (at the Ministry of the Interior), as well as George Papadimitriou (at the Ministry of Health). It is also considered possible that former deputies could be exploited and at least three cases are under analysis.
The Commissioner’s “riddle”
Greece will appoint a person to his position Commissioner as the Prime Minister revealed Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a conversation she had with journalists at the Presidential Palace at the reception for the 50th anniversary of the Restoration of the Republic. It should be noted here that Ursula von der Leyen asked the states to submit two names, one male and one female. However, Greece and other states are instructed to submit only one candidate, while also awaiting European announcements on the portfolio that each country will receive.
“I would definitely like a portfolio that highlights the economic progress that Greece has made, but also Greece’s strategic position in the southeast side of Europe and NATO,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted in a recent interview with Politico.
Asked whether Greece would be interested in the post of Commissioner for the Mediterranean, the Prime Minister replied: “I cannot say that, but I am saying that there are other portfolios that correspond to what we would like. I certainly think it is a good idea to have a Commissioner for the Mediterranean. I think that, after all, he will come from a Mediterranean country. I am not stating a preference because there are other portfolios that could be extremely interesting for us and in the end it is the President’s choice.”
The faces that are heard
Meanwhile, the debate has heated up as to who Greece will propose as the time for announcements approaches. One person who is playing hardball is Apostolos Tzitzikostas. At the same time, of course, one cannot rule out the possibility of Margaritis Schinas’s mandate being renewed, given his relevant experience. Finally, other names that have been heard are Nikis Kerameos and Theodoros Skylakakis. In any case, the final decisions will be held regarding the portfolio that the country will take on.