Greece’s conservative New Democracy government is not only facing external criticism but also growing internal discord over its handling of the Tempi train crash. With tensions mounting, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is preparing for a cabinet reshuffle in an effort to stabilize his administration. The reshuffle, expected to be announced by Friday, comes amid sustained public outcry over the government’s response to the tragedy.
Although the protests have not reached the scale of the February 28th national strike, demands for justice for the 57 victims persist, keeping pressure on the government high. Opposition parties are seizing the moment, amplifying calls for accountability. While New Democracy survived last week’s vote of no confidence thanks to its overwhelming parliamentary majority, the political climate remains volatile.
Public frustration is reflected in recent MRB polling data, which shows 57.5% of citizens favoring early elections. A GPO poll shows that New Democracy’s support has dipped to about 23%, with PASOK at about 15% and Course of Freedom around 7%.
Further complicating matters, the ruling party must decide on Monday which 14 MPs will join the 27-member Preliminary Investigation Committee. The committee will examine possible criminal offenses related to the Tempi disaster, including the role of former deputy minister for climate crisis and civil protection, Christos Triantopoulos, who resigned last week. However, New Democracy MPs have been hesitant to participate, exposing internal divisions.
The cabinet reshuffle presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Mitsotakis. His needs to restore public confidence, distancee his administration from officials linked to the Tempi crisis, and reinforce his inner circle at the Maximos Mansion. However, internal party friction and a limited pool of suitable candidates complicate his decisions.
A key focus is the Ministry of Transport, which was at the center of the crisis. Initial discussions about splitting it into separate Transport and Infrastructure ministries have reportedly been abandoned. Instead, Konstantinos Kyranakis is expected to be appointed Deputy Minister of Transport, while Takis Theodorikakos is rumored to take over as Minister.
Other significant changes are also expected. According to To Vima, Kostis Hatzidakis, a close ally of Mitsotakis, is likely to move to the Maximos Mansion, possibly as Deputy Prime Minister. His departure from the Finance Ministry has reportedly raised concerns in Brussels, where he is seen as a stabilizing force in economic policy. If he leaves, Niki Kerameus or Kyriakos Pierrakakis are potential successors.
Meanwhile, dissent within New Democracy is becoming more pronounced. Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has emerged as a vocal critic of Mitsotakis, accusing the government of mishandling the Tempi crisis and taking a flawed approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding Turkey. Former government spokesman Yiannis Economou has also subtly criticized the administration, calling for “bolder self-criticism” and warning against relying solely on the argument that New Democracy provides stability that other parties cannot. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the party that the government has lost its way on key issues.
Mitsotakis’s handling of the reshuffle will be critical in determining the government’s stability ahead of the 2027 elections. While some within New Democracy believe the reshuffle could shift the political agenda, others remain skeptical of its long-term impact. Sensing vulnerability, the opposition is expected to intensify its attacks, particularly on economic issues such as the housing crisis and inflation—both top concerns for Greek citizens.
