International press characterized yesterday’s reshuffle as an attempt to “boost its popularity after losing ground in last month’s European Parliament elections”.

Most articles emphasize on the replacement of Yannis Stournaras with Gikas Hardouvelis.

A choice that “is seen as signaling a continuation in Greece’s reform efforts” as Wall Street Journal mentioned.

The appointment of Mr. Hardouvelis, who is an experienced technocrat with a long background in government, is seen as signalling a continuation in Greece’s reform efforts

The Guardian newspaper sees the continuation of the reform efforts and notes that Antonis Samaras proceeded to moves that can bring stabilization to the government. Especially for the new Minister of Finance, it was stated that he is a person widely respected abroad who had spoken against austerity measures imposed by the Troika.

The international press mentioned also that former Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras was able to implement the difficult and challenging reforms and achieve the first primary surplus of the Greek budget in the last decade. It is reported that Mr. Stournaras is expected to be appointed governor of the Bank of Greece towards the end of June.

Regarding the reshuffle, the reports also state that PASOK enhanced its strength in the government as a “result of the outcome in the country’s dual votes”.

The “New York Times” reports that the Prime Minister of Greece, Antonis Samaras, has replaced the Minister of Finance, as part of a “sweeping government reshuffle”.