Political Shakeup: Thanos Plevris Steps In as Greece's New Migration Minister Amid Scandal

In a significant governmental shift, hard-right lawmaker Thanos Plevris has been appointed Greece's new Migration and Asylum Minister, succeeding Makis Voridis, who stepped down amid fraud allegations. The move was confirmed by an official spokesperson on Saturday after Voridis' resignation on Friday.

Voridis, 60, left his position to contend with accusations linked to a supposed scheme distributing fraudulent farm subsidies. The European Public Prosecutor's Office investigated the case, compiling a detailed dossier that was sent to the Greek Parliament. Despite denying illegal actions, Voridis aims to clear his name, highlighting reforms during his time as agricultural development minister from July 2019 to January 2021.

As Plevris assumes his new role, Greece's stringent migration policies are expected to remain steady. Voridis, known for his far-right background, was replaced following the resignation of four other lawmakers linked to the scandal. The political landscape in Greece continues to evolve under New Democracy's conservative government.

(With inputs from agencies.)