Economist Elena Panaritis has been chosen as the country’s representative to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to replace Thanos Katsambas, says a press release of the Ministry of Finance. Panaritis has worked in the past for the World Bank and has been involved in many international negotiations, and was chosen after a number of CVs were examined. She was interviewed by an unofficial committee headed by Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis.

Reactions against Panaritis – who had served with the socialist PASOK party in Greek Parliament from 2009-2012 – came from within the party soon after the announcement of her appointment. Dimitris Papadimoulis expressing his displeasure concerning the announcement in a tweet that was retweeted by State Minister Nikos Pappas. Papadimoulis called for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to intervene in the appointment. SYRIZA deputy Stathis Leoutsakos from the party’s Left Platform categorically opposed the decision to appoint Panaritis, as did SYRIZA Parliamentary Spokesman Nikos Filis from his Facebook account.

Sources state that Panaritis was chosen during an informal voting session at the Ministry of Finance. SYRIZA’s Chief Economic Spokesperson Euclid Tsakalotos voted against the appointment whereas SYRIZA Deputy Prime Minister Giannis Dragasakis cast a white ballot resulting in the appointment based on the approval of Varoufakis and Administrative Reform Minister George Stathakis.