The first cabinet meeting of the new leftist Greek government kicked off at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday after Tuesday evening’s swearing in ceremony. The 15-membered core of the cabinet – without the deputy ministers, alternate ministers and undersecretaries – plans to meet on a weekly basis from now on. The new structure of the government has four ministerial groups that are divided into clusters.

Arriving at the meeting, right-wing Independent Greeks (ANEL) Leader Panos Kammenos, who has agreed to form an anti-austerity coalition with the Greek government said that this meeting marks the “first day” and added that there is sadness for the F-16 pilots killed in action while in Spain. “Today is a new day for Greece and Greeks,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s Undersecretary Gabriel Sakellaridis pledged to immiedately brief the press. He said that the group was awaiting for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to give general guidelines and discuss administrative matters.  

Employment Minister Panos Skourletis said that there would be a return to the minimum wage, signing of group contracts, restrictions on employment conscription.  He said that relief measures for the humanitarian crisis would be taken. He said that statements from Berlin show that the “door” for negotiations have opened.

Productive Reform, Environment and Energy Undersecretary Panagiotis Sgouridis –

Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Kotzias –