Makarios Lazarides has moved to contain the growing controversy over his academic credentials, offering to return public funds he received while serving as a government advisor without the required university degree.
In a new public statement, the Deputy Minister of Rural Development said he would repay the money from his time as a special advisor at the Ministry of Education, acknowledging that he did not meet the formal qualifications for the role.
The statement marks an effort by Lazarides to ease mounting pressure on the government, as criticism from opposition parties continues to escalate.
Parties including PASOK and SYRIZA have intensified calls for his dismissal, arguing that the issue raises serious questions about transparency and merit in public appointments.
The backlash has widened in recent days following allegations that Lazarides’ wife took over a position he previously held at a government office, further fueling accusations of improper practices.
The deputy minister addressed the issue in his statement, while also apologizing for remarks he described as overly harsh, saying they were made in the course of defending himself.
