WORLD
Alexis Tsipras unveils new cabinet
Baku, September 23, AZERTAC
Returning Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced the composition of the new Greek government in the early hours of Wednesday.
Alexis Tsipras met Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos on Monday to seal their agreement, which led to the creation of a government consisting of similar ministers to the previous administration formed by the two parties, according to Independent Balkan News Agency.
The new government had little surprises in terms of personnel, however, Alexis Tsipras made two major changes to the cabinet compared to the previous term.
The Super-Ministry of Reconstruction of Production, Environment & Energy was split into smaller ministries. The Super-Ministry of Economy, Shipping & Tourism also broke into smaller independent ministries.
Euclid Tsakalotos will be Finance Minister despite the fact that he seemed determined at first not to assume the role. Giorgos Chouliarakis who was caretaker Finance Minister and negotiated Greece's latest bailout deal will be Deputy Finance Minister along with Trifon Alexiadis who will be in charge of Revenue.
Tsipras appointed Yiannis Mouzalas, an active member of the Doctors of the World charity, as minister for migration within the interior ministry. Other reappointments included Nicos Kotzias as foreign minister, Panos Skourletis as energy ministry and Panos Kammenos as defense minister.
Giorgos Stathakis kept his portfolio as Minister of the Economy but saw Shipping become an independent Ministry with Theodore Dritsas (a former Deputy Minister) at the helm. Giorgos Katrougalos will be in charge of Labour and Social Solidarity, undertaking the difficult task of implementing social security and labor reforms dictated by the MoU with Greece's creditors.