Makarios Lazaridis went on TV on Tuesday morning to defend his academic credentials. The new Deputy Minister of Rural Development literally brandished his degree live on air as questions over his past qualifications intensified.
Speaking on Open TV, he claimed that he studied at the College of Southeastern Europe from 1987 to 1992, calling the degree highly demanding. “I will not apologize for choices I made forty years ago” he said.
The appearance came in response to scrutiny over his 2007 appointment as a “special scientific advisor,” a post that requires a recognized university degree. Lazaridis has acknowledged that he submitted a degree from the College of Southeastern Europe for the position. The institution operated as a private college, whose qualifications were not recognized as equivalent to those of Greek public universities, a key requirement for the role.
The discrepancy has raised questions about whether the legal requirements for the position were met and whether Lazaridis was eligible for the post at the time.
Opposition ramps up pressure
PASOK has moved quickly to capitalize on the issue.
In a sharply worded statement, the party called on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to take a clear position on whether Lazaridis should remain in office.
The opposition framed the case as both a political and ethical matter. It questioned whether a Cabinet member can stay in government after acknowledging he did not hold the required qualifications for a past public role.
Legal questions in play
The case may also take a legal turn.
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki has ordered an investigation into the matter, focusing on the circumstances surrounding Lazaridis’ past appointments.
Among the questions under review: whether he could be required to return funds received during his time in public roles, if any irregularities are confirmed.
Lazaridis rejects that argument. He insists he submitted all required documentation and maintains that any issue should have been flagged by the relevant administrative authorities at the time.
