The announcement of the cabinet reshuffle was ultimately brought forward, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proceeding with targeted changes to the government lineup.

Giorgos Kotsiras will become Deputy Minister of Transport, replacing Konstantinos Kyranakis, who is set to assume the position of Secretary of New Democracy. At the same time, Dimitris Markopoulos will replace Kotsiras as Deputy Minister of Finance, while Marilena Soukouli will become Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, taking over the position previously held by the late Nikos Tagaras.

Meanwhile, Tasos Chatzivasileiou returns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this time assuming responsibility for European Affairs.

Government sources emphasize that Pavlos Marinakis remains in his position because the Prime Minister considers him a trusted and successful associate, as well as a cornerstone of the government’s communications strategy through to the next elections in 2027.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new government members will take place on Friday, June 12, before President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas. According to government sources, the changes reflect a broader effort to promote younger-generation New Democracy officials with experience in both parliamentary work and public administration.

Statement by Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis

“By decision of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Giorgos Kotsiras is appointed Deputy Minister of Transport.

At the same time, Dimitris Markopoulos is appointed Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, responsible for Tax Policy, and Marilena Soukouli is appointed Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy.

In addition, Tasos Chatzivasileiou is appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for European Affairs.

The swearing-in of the new Deputy Minister and the new Deputy Ministers before the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, will take place on Friday, June 12.”

Who is Giorgos Kotsiras?

Giorgos Kotsiras, who becomes Deputy Minister of Transport, replacing Konstantinos Kyranakis (who has been proposed as Secretary of New Democracy’s Political Committee), belongs to the younger generation of center-right political figures. He has previously served successfully as Deputy Minister in three ministries: Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Finance.

Known for his hardworking and low-profile style, he has represented Western Attica in Parliament since 2019. A Doctor of Law specializing in European Law, the 42-year-old Kotsiras is regarded as a highly qualified legal scholar, credentials considered important for his new portfolio.

Who is Dimitris Markopoulos?

Dimitris Markopoulos, who takes Kotsiras’s position at the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, is familiar with economic matters through many years of professional work covering financial news. He is also an experienced parliamentarian with a strong record representing New Democracy in Parliament.

The 51-year-old Markopoulos is expected to play a dual role: explaining complex economic issues in accessible language and representing Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis in Parliament when the minister has other commitments.

Who is Tasos Chatzivasileiou?

The 44-year-old MP from Serres becomes Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for European Affairs, an area in which he is considered highly knowledgeable.

A member of the younger generation of New Democracy politicians, he has served in recent years as the party’s Secretary for International Relations, focusing extensively on European policy and maintaining strong communication channels with European governments.

An Assistant Professor of International Relations, he frequently accompanies the Prime Minister on foreign visits and is viewed as particularly well-suited to address European challenges and help prepare Greece’s future Presidency of the European Union.

Who is Marilena Soukouli?

Marilena Soukouli, who becomes Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy following the death of Nikos Tagaras, began working as an engineer in the private sector in 1996.

Although relatively young, she has extensive professional experience in her field. She has represented Corinthia in Parliament for New Democracy since 2019.

She is expected to contribute to key policy areas including spatial planning and urban environment policy, environmental licensing, digital governance, and geospatial information management.