The appointment of Deputy Agriculture Minister Makarios Lazaridis has triggered political backlash, with opposition parties questioning his academic credentials and calling for his resignation.
The center-left PASOK raised concerns over Lazaridis’ degree from the College of Southeastern Europe, questioning how he was able to serve as a ministerial specialist in 2007 under the provisions of Law 2190/1994, which requires a university degree or postgraduate qualification.
Lazaridis rejected the criticism, saying he had submitted all necessary documentation to authorities.
PASOK described his appointment as a “party favor” and demanded his dismissal.
Leftist opposition party SYRIZA also criticized Lazaridis, accusing him of presenting a non-university certificate as an academic degree.
The ruling New Democracy has not issued a detailed response to the allegations.