Caretaker Prime Minister sworn in ahead of Greece’s second elections

·

Senior judge, Ioannis Sarmas, was sworn in as Greece’s caretaker Prime Minister on Thursday, ahead of the country’s new national elections to be held in about a month.

According to Ekathimerini, Sarmas was sworn in at the Presidential Mansion in the presence of Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Sarmas will head a 16-member caretaker government, in which a former Greek ambassador to the United States, Vassilios Kaskarelis, will be Foreign Minister. The key finance ministry will be headed by economist Theodore Pelagidis, deputy governor of Greece’s central bank.

Swearing in ceremony. Photos: Intime News.

The senior judge is taking over from center-right Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections on May 21 but was unable to form a majority government.

The leaders of the top three political parties in Greece – Mitsotakis, SYRIZA’s Alexis Tsipras, and PASOK’s Nikos Androulakis – all turned down the exploratory mandates to form a government.

New elections will be held, with June 25 seen as the likeliest date, under a different electoral system which gives the first party up to 50 extra seats in Parliament. Mitsotakis hopes that vote will secure him a governing majority.

READ MORE: Here’s how Greeks in Australia voted during Greece’s national elections.

Source: Ekathimerini and AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

STEM holiday program by Greek Community of Melbourne Schools a hit

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools recently completed a successful and engaging educational initiative titled “STEM in Their Element"

Huge comeback win for St George Men’s team

The St George Men’s team faced a massive challenge: a 5am bus trip to Wagga Wagga to take on the formidable Wagga Wagga Heat.

Creditors of Bill Ferg’s Lobster Cave face total loss as rescue bid stalls

Creditors of Melbourne’s iconic seafood venue The Lobster Cave have been warned they are unlikely to recover any of the millions owed.

You May Also Like

Greek olive oil poised for growth in booming Australian market

A study by the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Greek Consulate in Sydney highlights strong opportunities for Greek olive oil.

Australian PM plays down pro-Palestine protest outside Brisbane’s Greek Club

A pro-Palestine protest gathered outside the Greek Club in Brisbane during an ALP fundraising dinner calling for action to ceasefire in Gaza.

All you need to know about Greek New Year’s Eve customs and traditions

As the New Year approaches, we turn to traditional Greek New Year’s Eve customs, which we hope will bring health, happiness and luck to 2024!