ATHENS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled the cabinet on Friday, triggering mixed reactions from opposition parties, business representatives, and the media.

Approximately one-third of the ministerial portfolios changed hands in the new cabinet lineup, which was presented by government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis in a televised statement on the Greek national broadcaster ERT.

Key ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior, and Citizen Protection, remained unchanged.

One of the most notable changes was at the helm of the Finance Ministry, where Kostis Hatzidakis was replaced by outgoing Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

Hatzidakis was appointed vice president of the government in a move aimed at improving cabinet coordination and efficiency, according to local media commentary, including the Kathimerini (Daily) newspaper.

In initial reactions to the reshuffle, heads of business chambers welcomed the change of leadership at the key ministry, while reiterating calls for additional measures to support the real economy.

"In a period of international geopolitical and economic instability, we hope that the new cabinet will stay on the path to stronger growth," said Stavros Kafounis, president of the National Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, in a press statement.

"A reshuffle may help the government restructure the economy, but it is never enough on its own. Everything depends on the economic policy mix that will be implemented," said Vassilis Korkidis, president of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The main opposition party, PASOK-KINAL (Panhellenic Socialist Movement-Movement for Change), criticized the reshuffle as a "recycling of failed ministers in different roles."

SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance stated that "the Prime Minister did not understand the message of society," referring to recent massive protests over economic policies and the handling of a deadly train accident two years ago, which was partially attributed to chronic safety failures in the railway network.

The conservative government survived a censure motion last week, tabled by the two parties and supported by others in Parliament, over the 2023 train accident, which resulted in 57 deaths and dozens of injuries.

This was not the first time the government had faced a no-confidence motion over the 2023 train collision. On March 28, 2024, opposition parties submitted a similar motion, accusing the government of failing to address systemic issues in the railway sector and provide adequate support to the victims' families. That motion was likewise defeated by the ruling New Democracy party's parliamentary majority.

The second significant change in the latest reshuffle was the appointment of Christos Dimas, who has previously held ministerial posts, as the new Infrastructure and Transport Minister. His primary responsibility will be overseeing the modernization of Greece's transport sector, according to commentators in Greek media.

A change of leadership also took place at the ministries of Social Cohesion and Family, Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Migration and Asylum Policy, Environment and Energy, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, as well as Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.

Through changes at the finance and infrastructure ministries, as well as the appointment of younger officials to key portfolios, the prime minister aims to bolster support for his government following mass protests, according to Kathimerini.

The reshuffle is more strategic than cosmetic, involving precise adjustments intended to enhance the government's efficiency and performance, Vima (Tribune) daily reported, citing political analysts.

The new cabinet is expected to be sworn in on Saturday.

The current government's term is set to end in June 2027. Enditem

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