In the midst of a raging backstage, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected within the next few days to “lock in” his decisions on reforming the government‘s shape, in the direction of a total restart. Insiders believe that in this case we will not ultimately go for a light version of interventions in the governmental scheme, as the changes are predicted to be significant, possibly even radical in some cases.

On this issue, meetings and appointments were held on Saturday and will continue from today, while all information points to the fact that the swearing-in of the new shape will be carried out by the new President of the Republic, Costas Tasoulas, who officially takes over on Thursday. Mitsotakis, moreover, will have his farewell meeting today with outgoing President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

The entrance of Hatzidakis and Maximou

A capital change in terms of the Maximos headquarters has to do with the prospect of current Finance Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, entering it. The development seems almost predictable, while Hatzidakis appears to his interlocutors to be generally concerned about the country’s political situation.

In any case, in a statement to SKAI he also supported the need for a new beginning for the government. Hatzidakis is expected to have a central coordinating role in an effort to correct the strategic deficiencies of the government center, while it is considered likely that he will also have a vice-presidential position, like Panagiotis Pikrammenos in the previous four-year term.

The most difficult role involves Makis Voridis, who in recent parliamentary battles has again proved his usefulness, while also providing crucial legal advice to the prime minister. On the other hand, some have said he could be moved to a “heavyweight” ministry such as Environment and Energy, always in direct contact with Maximou. According to information from protothema.gr, however, former State Minister Stavros Papastavrou is also “playing” for the position of Theodoros Skylakakis.

On the other hand, Akis Skertsos has a strong chance of remaining in his position as the “blockbuster” of the Prime Minister’s office. Unmoved, of course, are government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, Deputy Prime Minister Giorgos Mylonakis, and the Prime Minister’s Secretary General, Stelios Koutnatzis. Changes are also expected to be made in the communications staff, but potential replacements for specific executives have not yet been found.

Discussions with ministers

Otherwise, the process is in full swing. On Saturday, Health Minister Adonis Georgiades was at the prime minister’s office and had a detailed discussion with Mitsotakis. And while it seemed that it was “on the table” that Georgiadis would remain in the government, newer reports indicate that there was new communication on Sunday and it is highly likely that he will remain in his position.

The departure of Hatzidakis from the Ministry of Finance brings the need for his replacement and for the first time the scenario of having an economy “czarina”, in this case Niki Kerameos, is “playing out”. The name of Kyriakos Pierrakakis seems to be slipping away, although it is still not “locked” whether he will stay at Education or move. Social Cohesion and Family Minister Sofia Zacharaki could also be involved in changing places if Niki Kerameos is also moved, while some say that current Deputy Health Minister Irene Agapidaki could “move” to Social Cohesion and Family.

The Ministry of Infrastructure

Of course, the move will also be critical as it relates to the Ministry of Infrastructure. There, the choice of Konstantinos Kyranakis as deputy minister of transport seems “locked in”, while a person is being sought for the reins of the ministry. According to one line of information, this could be Thanos Plevris, who is currently the Parliamentary Representative of the New Democracy Party and is said to be on the shortlist for the reshuffle.

The cycle of the KYSEA

Serious changes will apparently take place in the ministries of the Kysea circle, with the exception of the Foreign Ministry where Giorgos Gerapetritis remains and the Ministry of National Defense where Nikos Dendias will stay. For the Ministry of Shipping, where Christos Stylianides is leaving, the name of Vassilis Kikilias has been mooted who looks set to leave the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection ministry. In Coast Guard circles, the name of the current Deputy Minister of Defense, Giannis Kefalogiannis, has also been discussed. At the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, several people believe that the stay of Nikos Panagiotopoulos will prove to be short-lived. One name that has also been floated for consideration is that of retired Chief of Staff general Konstantinos Floros, although there has been no appointment with the prime minister in recent days, it was reported.

There will also be significant changes at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, with the name of Kosta Skreka being floated, while the resigned Christos Triandopoulos will be replaced in the State Relief arm.

Utilisation of MPs

It should be noted that Mitsotakis’ associates have recommended that he reduce the number of cabinet members, although no decisions have been made on this. The changes at the deputy minister level, of course, are expected to be sweeping, with further utilization of ND MPs.

Among the MPs who are being heard about their utilization in the government formation are Makarios Lazaridis, Anna Efthymiou, Kostas Vlasis, Lakis Vassiliadis, Tassos Dimoshakis, Fontas Baraliakos, Giorgos Stylios, Giorgos Vrettakos, Anna Karamanlis, Kostas Katsafados, etc.α.

However, it is considered clear that the MPs who will take on duties in the Investigative Committee for Christos Triantaopoulos will not be in the government. For the chairmanship of the Committee, the MP from Kefallonia Panagis Kappatos is considered a favorite and for the composition of the Committee Lefteris Ktistakis, Tassos Bartzokas etc., while announcements on the composition proposed by the New Democracy Party are not excluded today.