Tsipras reshuffles Greek Cabinet during bailout review

By Idyli Tsakiri

ATHENS, Greece (AA) – Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras reshuffled his government late Friday in an attempt to boost its stability amid a bailout review.

The previous Cabinet had been strongly criticized by Greeks because of the implementation of deep austerity policies and former ministers had openly opposed the bailout terms.

According to an official government announcement made by former spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili, Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Migration Minister Giannis Mouzalas will retain their posts.

Former Labour Minister Georgios Katrougalos was replaced by lawyer and Syriza member Effie Achtsioglou. Katrougalos is now deputy minister for European Affairs at the Foreign Ministry.

The ministers of energy and shipping have also been replaced for opposing Tsipras’ privatization plans.

Panos Skourletis and Thodoris Dritsas were replaced by Giorgos Stathakis and Panagiotis Kouroumblis, who were moved from the ministries of economy and interior, respectively.

The head of the coalition party, Independent Greeks, Panos Kammenos, retained his post as defense minister.

In total, 15 new ministers were introduced to the new Cabinet that now has 48 MPs instead of 45.

The new government will be sworn in Saturday.