Despite repeated denials from Prime Minister Antonis Samaras that he is not going to make changes in his Cabinet, there will be a reshuffling and replacement of some ministers in July, one of his coalition partners, Democratic Left (DIMAR) leader Fotis Kouvelis said. There has been growing talk in the Greek media that Samaras is unhappy with the performance of some of his appointees.
Neither Kouvelis nor the other coalition partner, PASOK, allowed members of its party to be in the Cabinet when Samaras, the New Democracy Conservative leader was elected last June, fearing political fallout if the government couldn’t survive protests against austerity measures all three had agreed to support on the demand of international lenders.
But now, with more loans coming in and opposition to austerity fading, PASOK and DIMAR are seen as more eager to be involved in the government without having to worry so much about social unrest. They did put up candidates for the Cabinet last year who weren’t in their party, and a shakeup now could see PASOK and DIMAR party stalwarts joining the Administration in a show of unity for austerity.
There was speculation that the changes would come right after Easter, but Kouvelis, in an interview with Efimerida ton Syntakton newspaper, suggested that the overhaul will come in the summer. “My personal assessment is that the reshuffle will not happen immediately,” said the Democratic Left leader. “I would place it in July but this is a decision that will be taken by the prime minister.”
Kouvelis also indicated that his party would insist that its two appointments to the cabinet, Administrative Reform Minister Antonis Manitakis and Justice Minister Antonis Roupakiotis, should stay in their positions, although Samaras has often tangled with them, especially over the coming firing of 15,000 workers.
“We believe that they have been successful in their ministerial duties and have justified their selection,” Kouvelis said. “I do not see any reason for them not remaining in the government.”
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