Tsavdaridis resignation triggers mini cabinet reshuffle in Greece
The government has undergone a minor reshuffle following the resignation of Deputy Development Minister Lazaros Tsavdaridis, with three deputy ministers receiving new appointments.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis announced the changes on Thursday, November 12, confirming the appointments of Vasilis Spanakis, Vaggelis Liakos and Dimitris Vartzopoulos.
Under the changes approved by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Spanakis, who previously served as deputy interior minister, will take over as deputy development minister, with responsibility for the General Secretariat of Commerce.
Liakos has been appointed deputy interior minister, while Vartzopoulos will serve as deputy health minister, overseeing mental health affairs.
The government said further information would be provided regarding the date and arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony.
Resignation follows controversy over daughter's university admission
The reshuffle follows Tsavdaridis' resignation amid allegations that his daughter may have benefited from preferential treatment linked to sporting achievements to obtain additional points for university admission.
The controversy centred on claims that his daughter was registered with a handball team despite allegedly not participating meaningfully in training sessions and matches. Questions were raised over whether the registration could have helped her qualify for additional points under Greece's university admission system for outstanding athletes.
Tsavdaridis strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his daughter secured a place in the Agriculture Department at the University of Thessaly in Larissa solely through her performance in the national university entrance examinations.
He also rejected allegations that she had benefited from additional points awarded for sporting achievements.
The issue triggered political reactions, with opposition parties calling for his removal from office. Mitsotakis subsequently accepted his resignation, paving the way for the latest changes to the government's deputy ministerial team.
