Administrative Reform Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commented on statements made by 19 Greek mayors, who insisted that they will not allow the check of work contracts that changed the status of municipal personnel from contract to permanent employees.

He underlined that “it is self-evident that everybody will be evaluated” and “those who were hired in the public sector illegally will have to be removed” adding that “those, who are opposed to crosschecks and employee evaluations, as well as their political protectors should realize that they have no alibi”.

The mayors who have the support of the new Attica region governor Rena Dourou have decided not to provide the required information for the employees’ qualifications crosschecking to the ministry of Administrative Reform.

However, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed that crosschecks, for forged certificates and employees whose status was changed to permanent without having the necessary preconditions, would continue and intensify.

On the other hand, the mayors argue employees working for many years will be dismissed with no obvious reason, whereas the great number of layoffs that the ministry plans would create difficulties and lack of personnel, thus municipalities would not be able to operate properly.