The new Greek government inaugurated today looks like a smart reshuffle orchestrated by Alexis Tsipras to please the SYRIZA faithful MPs, reward the Independent Greeks for the alliance, and show that he is open to competent people outside the party.
For instance, Terence Quick of Independent Greeks got a seat in the state ministry without being voted by the people. His fellow party member Dimitris Kammenos was appointed Infrastructure, Transportation and Networks Deputy Minister, despite a previous record of antisemitism and homophobia.
There were no changes to the core of the cabinet as all previous ministers in crucial ministries maintained their portfolios. Euclid Tsakalotos, Giorgos Stathakis, Giorgos Chouliarakis and Tryfon Alexiadis remain in the finance and economy ministries. State ministers Nikos Pappas and Alekos Flambouraris, Tsipras’ two right hands (no pun intended) remained in place. Also, there were no changes in the foreign ministry, the justice ministry, the maritime ministry, while other ministers and deputies just exchanged chairs.
Junior coalition partner leader Panos Kammenos maintained his place in the ministry of defense, while Independent Greeks MP Elena Kountoura remained deputy minister of tourism.
Outspoken and militant SYRIZA parliamentary representative Nikos Filis who gave harsh battles against the dissidents of the left platform, was rewarded by becoming education minister.
The 46-strong cabinet is not exactly the “small and flexible” team that Alexis Tsipras had promised before the January election, but it will be judged for its efficiency and productivity. There is a lot of work ahead and a series of reforms and measures that will try even the most capable and dedicated.
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