The time for the cabinet reshuffle has arrived, with official announcements set for 11:00 AM by Pavlos Marinakis.
It has been confirmed that Kyriakos Pierrakakis will move from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Finance.
Nikos Papathanasis is expected to remain as his deputy, overseeing the pending matters of the Recovery Fund. He is considered a trusted figure for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Pierrakakis’ move to Finance will result in Sofia Zacharaki taking over the Ministry of Education from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs. Nikos Papaiōannou, the current General Secretary, and MP Kostas Vlasis will assume deputy ministerial roles.
If Zacharaki moves to Education, Domna Michailidou is a strong candidate to replace her at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs.
Yiannis Kefalogiannis, an MP from Rethymno, is expected to move from the position of Deputy Defense Minister to take over as Minister of Civil Protection.
Christos Dimas is being considered for the role of Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, with Konstantinos Kyranakis as Deputy Minister of Transport.
Makis Voridis will leave Maximos Mansion but remain in the government, taking over the Ministry of Migration, with Sevi Voloudaki as Deputy Minister.
One key reason for Voridis’ exit from Maximos Mansion is the appointment of Kostis Hatzidakis as Deputy Prime Minister. Hatzidakis will have a critical role overseeing economic ministries and maintaining influence within the government headquarters.
Stavros Papastavrou will assume leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which will remain as a unified ministry.
Vasilis Kikilias will transition from the “Lighthouse” (a government term for a key ministry) to the Ministry of Shipping. Christos Stylianides will depart but remain an MP for New Democracy.
Christos Boukoros is expected to become Deputy Minister of Digital Governance.
Anna Karamanli will take on the role of Deputy Minister of Tourism.
After days of intense speculation, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to push the button on the long-anticipated cabinet reshuffle. Only a select few close associates and trusted confidants are privy to the full scope of the changes, some of whom are not necessarily inside the Maximos Mansion at this moment. The official process is expected to kick off this morning, following the prime minister’s daily “morning coffee” meeting, at which point Mitsotakis will begin making the crucial phone calls. Preliminary discussions, however, had already begun yesterday.
Pierrakakis Moves to Finance – Who Follows?
The big news from yesterday was the confirmation that Kyriakos Pierrakakis will be transferring from the Education Ministry to take over the crucial Finance portfolio. His recent meeting with Mitsotakis was pivotal in sealing the decision. Widely regarded as a successful minister with high popularity ratings, Pierrakakis’ move to Nikis Street is expected to send a positive signal. His deputy will likely remain Nikos Papathanasis, a key figure in handling Recovery Fund matters and a trusted ally of the prime minister.
Pierrakakis’ move, however, creates a domino effect. Sophia Zacharaki is now a strong contender to take over the Education Ministry, leaving her post at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family. Another possible option for Education is Christos Dimas, the current Deputy Minister of Finance, though insiders suggest Mitsotakis is unlikely to make such a move at this time. Meanwhile, if Zacharaki shifts to Education, her current post could be filled by Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki.
The Voridis Factor and a Possible Surprise
One major unknown in this reshuffle is the fate of Makis Voridis. While he is expected to leave Maximos Mansion, he will remain part of the government. He has been considered for multiple ministries, including Environment & Energy, Migration, and Infrastructure. Some even speculated about Justice, though current minister Giorgos Floridis appeared secure in his position as of last night.
A trusted government insider hinted at a potential surprise move for Voridis, stating, “There may be a change you all thought was off the table.” His exit from the Cabinet Office is largely due to the arrival of Kostis Hatzidakis, who will assume the role of Deputy Prime Minister. Hatzidakis will oversee key economic ministries and spearhead major government projects, such as railway infrastructure improvements, working closely with Minister of State Akis Skertsos.
Chain Reactions and More Changes
Late last night, sources reignited speculation about Stavros Papastavrou being appointed Minister of Environment & Energy, which will remain a unified portfolio. However, some sources were hesitant to rule out the possibility of Theodoros Skylakakis staying in the government lineup. His name has also surfaced as a candidate for the Infrastructure Ministry. One certainty is that Konstantinos Kyranakis will serve as Deputy Minister of Transport.
Despite rumors, as of last night, there were no clear indications of government roles for Thanos Plevris or Dimitris Kairidis. On the other hand, Kostas Skrekas is strongly rumored to take over the Climate Crisis & Civil Protection Ministry, replacing Vasilis Kikilias, who is expected to move to the Shipping Ministry. Meanwhile, Christos Stylianides is stepping down but will remain an MP for New Democracy. The Migration Ministry, another key portfolio, may see the return of former minister Notis Mitarachi.
Adonis Georgiadis is expected to remain at the Health Ministry, possibly with Mario Themistocleous as his deputy—should Irini Agapidaki move elsewhere.
MPs Poised for Promotion
A greater number of New Democracy MPs are likely to be appointed as deputy ministers in this reshuffle. Among those on the shortlist are Makarios Lazaridis (Kavala), Anna Efthymiou (Thessaloniki), Fontas Baraliakos (Pieria), Kostas Vlassis (Arcadia), Sevi Voloudaki (Chania), Evripidis Stylianidis (Rodopi), and Giorgos Stylios (Arta). Meanwhile, sweeping changes are expected among current deputy ministers, with some positions potentially being eliminated altogether.
As the final decisions take shape, the political landscape is bracing for a reshuffle that could redefine the government’s course heading into the next critical phase.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions