Replaying a tactic he had already used when the first OPEKEPE dossier shook the government, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis responded swiftly to the second and third case files implicating ministers and deputy ministers.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, who had already foreshadowed the prime minister’s moves by describing the European Public Prosecutor’s dossier as a “serious development,” announced at noon a targeted reshuffle carrying three clear political messages:

Immediate political reflexes

First, Kyriakos Mitsotakis demonstrated rapid reflexes. Without waiting for a case-by-case assessment of the involvement of the political figures named in the file, he proceeded with their replacement. As a result, Yannis Kefalogiannis, Kostas Tsiaras and Dimitris Vartzopoulos were removed from government positions.

Controlled reshuffle – no electoral surprise

Second, the choice of replacements signaled continuity rather than disruption, indicating that no early electoral scenario is being considered. According to the government spokesman:

• Margaritis Schinas assumes the Ministry of Rural Development, replacing Kostas Tsiaras
• Makarios Lazaridis becomes Deputy Minister of Rural Development, replacing Christos Kellas
• Evangelos Tournas takes over the Ministry of Civil Protection, replacing Yannis Kefalogiannis

Schinas, a former Vice-President of the European Commission, brings both political weight and technical expertise, while also projecting a stronger “European profile” at a time when the transition from OPEKEPE to AADE is underway.

Tournas is deeply familiar with Civil Protection, having served in the same ministry between 2021 and 2023, including as acting minister.

Lazaridis’ appointment reflects the utilization of an active parliamentary figure within the ruling party.

Attempted political reset

Third, government sources estimate that the immediate response to the OPEKEPE case may function as a form of political reset, aiming to reposition the government ahead of the final stretch toward the spring 2027 elections.

At the same time, government officials stress that “not all cases are the same.” They describe the process of lifting parliamentary immunity for certain MPs—such as Kostas Tsiaras, Notis Mitarakis, Dimitris Vartzopoulos and Lakis Vassiliadis—as largely procedural, arguing that no guilt has been established. Notably, sources claim that “had Tsiaras held a different portfolio, he might not have been removed.”

Background

Within hours of the case file becoming public, discussions about government changes intensified. Mitsotakis had already followed a similar approach in June 2025, when the first OPEKEPE dossier led to the resignation of Migration Minister Makis Voridis and three deputy ministers.

This time, however, the situation proved more politically sensitive. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office requested the lifting of immunity for 11 MPs, ministers and deputy ministers, creating visible discomfort within the government.

Those named include:

• Maximos Senetakis
• Lakis Vassiliadis
• Notis Mitarakis
• Katerina Papakosta
• Kostas Karamanlis
• Christos Boukoros
• Theophilos Leontaridis
• Kostas Skrekas
• Yannis Kefalogiannis
• Kostas Tsiaras
• Dimitris Vartzopoulos

A second file was transmitted under Article 86 of the Constitution (law on ministerial responsibility), concerning Spilios Livanos and Fotini Arampatzi for actions during their tenure at the Ministry of Rural Development.

Initially, Pavlos Marinakis stated that each case would be assessed individually. However, government considerations quickly shifted toward damage control: allowing implicated officials to remain in office risked prolonging political pressure. The chosen solution was their removal, enabling the investigation to proceed without institutional entanglement.

Key individual cases

Kostas Tsiaras

Tsiaras’ case reportedly posed the most difficult decision. Government sources suggest his involvement is not legally significant, as he allegedly acted through an associate seeking a lawful administrative solution later confirmed by audit. Nevertheless, the political weight of the case led to his replacement, underscoring the emphasis on political responsibility.

Yannis Kefalogiannis

The file reportedly does not include direct communication by Kefalogiannis, but rather exchanges involving a former associate who sought favors related to subsidy cases. Kefalogiannis had already removed this associate from his office.

Dimitris Vartzopoulos

Vartzopoulos is said to have contacted an OPEKEPE official regarding a constituent’s case, asking informally whether it could be handled—an action now under scrutiny.

Kostas Skrekas

Skrekas resigned as party secretary after being named in the file. Reports refer to direct communication with OPEKEPE officials in 2021, including requests to bypass formal procedures—allegations that elevate the political seriousness of his case.

Notis Mitarakis

Mitarakis resigned as Parliamentary Representative of New Democracy. According to available information, he does not appear directly involved in recorded conversations, with references instead pointing to routine forwarding of requests from his office.

Additional developments

Stelios Kontadakis is expected to replace Kostas Skrekas as party secretary on an interim basis until the next party congress.

The swearing-in of the new government members is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of the President of the Republic.