Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has asked for the resignation of economist Gabriel Sakellaridis, one of the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) heavyweights. Since January 2015, Sakellaridis has been the Deputy Minister to the PM and served as government spokesperson in the previous SYRIZA cabinet.

A government source states that there had been leaks to the press from early on Thursday morning noting that Sakellaridis would not be present at the voting session at Greek Parliament that evening. The voting procedure on the draft law with the prior actions is expected to take place on Thursday night at the Greek Parliament.

Tsipras asked for his resignation during a telephone conversation. Sakellaridis accomodated the PM with a letter sent to Parliament President Nikos Voutsis. Alternate Interior Minister Christoforos Vernardakis will take Sakellaridis’ seat in Greek Parliament.