According to the latest news from WorldWay Immigration: The coalition government of Greece, which has been in power for nearly two years, announced a reshuffle on the 9th, notably including the change of the Finance Minister, a position crucial for overcoming the debt crisis.
According to a statement by government spokesperson Vourlitis, economics professor Gikas Hardouvelis will succeed Stournaras as Finance Minister. Hardouvelis previously served as the Chief Economist and Director of Research at the Greek European Bank, taught at several universities, and was the Director of the Economic Office for former Prime Ministers Simitis and Papadimos.
Some analysts point out that the appointment of a professor with no political ties as Finance Minister by Prime Minister Samaras is beneficial for injecting new energy into Greece's efforts to overcome the debt crisis.
Other significant adjustments include the transfer of the Minister of Citizen Protection, Dendias, to the Minister of Regional Development and Competitiveness, and the appointment of New Democracy member and veteran journalist Dinopoulos as Minister of the Interior. Additionally, the leader of the coalition partner, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, Venizelos, remains as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers of Defense, Administrative Reform, Tourism, Shipping, and Transport will retain their original positions.
Some analysts believe that this cabinet reshuffle demonstrates the coalition government's determination to continue advancing reforms in order to overcome the debt crisis and strive for economic recovery within this year. They also point out that the new government will face external pressures from creditors demanding Greece to intensify austerity measures, as well as internal pressures from opposition parties and some labor unions to reduce unemployment and end the recession, indicating that significant challenges lie ahead.
The new cabinet will be sworn in on the 6th of October.
