The Prime Minister has realized that his cabinet needs to be shuffled, however aside from his own party’s internal politics, he also has to appease the wishes of government partners PASOK and DIMAR.
The possibility of an upcoming reshuffle became a fact certainty, when government partner and PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos discussed the matter on a Monday night TV talk show. Mr. Venizelos’ action fueled rumors.
Mr. Samaras was furious with the extent of media coverage and the ensuing rumors detailing who was to remain, who was to join and who was to leave their ministerial position. The PM instructed government representative S. Kedikoglou to deny rumors of a reshuffle. The reality however is that the reshuffle is a given, but changes will have to wait for the Troika to leave Athens and PASOK to complete its intraparty procedures next week.
Mr. Venizelos’ comment that “first we need to discuss political issues and then the people” indicates that Mr. Samaras will have to review his original political agreement. At the same time the PM needs to address DIMAR’s leader, who refuses to replace the Ministers or Justice and Administrative Reform Messrs. Roupakiotis and Manitakis.
Sources from the government paint a picture conflicting opinions, with many officials supporting changes, including some of the PM’s close associates. Others however feel that a reshuffle would “waste valuable time” and would rather see an intensification of the government plan.
