Political shock in Greece as ministers resign over OPEKEPE investigation
A major political crisis has erupted in Greece following the submission of investigation files related to OPEKEPE to Parliament, triggering a wave of high-level resignations and a swift cabinet reshuffle.
Civil Protection Minister Yannis Kefalogiannis, Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras, and Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Varcopoulos all stepped down after their names were reportedly included in the case files, which have drawn significant public and political attention.
The developments have intensified speculation of broader changes within the government. Reports also suggest that Kostas Skrekas, Secretary General of the ruling New Democracy party, could also resign.
Cabinet reshuffle announced
Shortly after the resignations, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis announced a cabinet reshuffle aimed at stabilizing the situation.
New appointments include Margaritis Schinas as Minister of Agriculture, Makarios Lazaridis as Deputy Agriculture Minister, and Evangelos Turnas as Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. Yannis Andrianos and Kostas Katsafados were also appointed as deputy ministers in their respective portfolios.
The former ministers who resigned were not included in the new cabinet. Responsibilities previously held by Varcopoulos in the Health Ministry will be redistributed internally.
The reshuffle is widely seen as the government’s attempt to contain the political fallout from the OPEKEPE investigation, which has placed increasing pressure on the administration and shaken the country’s political landscape.
