Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, continues to hold a closed agenda regarding the government reshuffle. The Cabinet meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. under its current composition, with deliberations amidst swirling speculations concerning the Prime Minister’s decisions. Two scenarios are currently under consideration concerning the timing of the Prime Minister’s announcements on the changes to the government formation. The first scenario suggests a possible announcement tomorrow evening. Nevertheless, the likelihood of this scenario is low, as it is expected to be preceded by a meeting of the current Cabinet a few hours earlier. The second scenario is a possible postponement until the Prime Minister returns from Switzerland and Brussels, where he will visit next week.

Earlier, the agenda for the Cabinet meeting was announced, including: – Presentation by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, on legislative initiatives: a) Digital transaction tax, b) Restructuring of the Extraordinary Solidarity Contribution, modernization of its subsidiaries, and establishment of a new National Investment Fund, – Presentation by the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, on legislative initiatives: a) Rights of individuals suffering from dementia and their caregivers, b) Tissue and cell transplantation, c) Union of Dietitians-Nutritionists of Greece, – Presentation by the Minister of State, Makis Voridis, on the progress of and proposal for the approval of an update to the National Strategic Anti-Corruption Plan 2022-2025, – Presentation by the Minister of State, Makis Voridis, of the annual report of the Central Codification Committee, – Presentation by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, on projects: a) Construction of the Tsiknia Dam in Lesvos, b) Construction of water projects in Arta, Preveza, Lefkada, c) Extension of the Ionian Road: Ioannina – Kakavia, – Proposal by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, regarding the approval of River Basin Management Plans, – Proposal by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, for the establishment, composition, and operation of the Governmental Committee for Climate Neutrality. Based on the announced program, one conclusion drawn is that ministers with pertinent responsibilities are likely to remain in their positions.

Nevertheless, the current governmental landscape remains fluid, with glimpses of clarity regarding the envisaged interventions by Mr. Mitsotakis. These interventions may occur either by tomorrow or, otherwise, the following week upon Mr. Mitsotakis’ return from Switzerland and Brussels. Names in the Discussion: Amidst the fervent backstage discussions, two individuals facing potential exit from the government are the Minister of Rural Development, Lefteris Avgenakis, and the Minister of Development, Kostas Skrekas. Both the tension within the agricultural sector and the precision of measures have factored into the negative election outcome for New Democracy (ND). Furthermore, the name of former minister Kostas Tsiaras is increasingly mentioned as a prospect for the Ministry of Rural Development. Other noteworthy mentions for potential exit from the government are the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Dimitris Kairidis, and the Minister of Shipping, Christos Stylianides.

Additionally, two former ministers, Takis Theodorikakos and Notis Mitarachi, are back in discussions regarding positions, although no direct contact has been made with the Prime Minister, who is deliberating within a close circle of advisors. Central to the speculation is the Ministry of the Interior, with Minister Niki Kerameos either speculated to be moved to another position or exiting the government entirely. There is even talk of upgrading the role of government spokesperson Thomas Varvitsiotis to a ministerial position in the Interior Ministry. Additionally, Minister George Floridis of Justice may also be involved in potential reassignments, as indicated by sources. The name of Labor Minister Domna Michailidou is also in the mix, despite her assumption of the ministry a few months ago.

Utilization of MPs: Currently, there is a sense of quiet regarding potential changes at the Prime Minister’s office, as no suitable figure with strong political traits has been identified to complement the existing composition. Furthermore, substantial changes are expected among deputy ministers, with several incumbents exiting the government and others being enlisted by the Central Committee (CC). Names floating in this reshuffle include Tasos Hatzivasileiou (Serres), Evripidis Stylianidis (Rodopi), Katerina Papakosta (Trikala), Christos Kellas (Larissa), Anna Efthimiou (Thessaloniki A), Makarios Lazaridis (Kavala), Kostas Karagounis (Aetoloacarnania), Kostas Katsafados (Piraeus A), and Kostas Yioulekas (Thessaloniki A).