Greece's political landscape shakes as Deputy Minister of Rural Development Makarios Lazaridis resigns amid explosive allegations about his academic credentials. The controversy erupted this week when reports revealed Lazaridis allegedly used a diploma from an unrecognized private college to secure government roles decades ago – violating public sector requirements. 🎓⚠️
"Political Witch Hunt," Claims Ex-Minister
Lazaridis, who only took office on April 3 during a cabinet reshuffle, denied wrongdoing in a fiery resignation statement: "These are baseless attacks meant to destabilize our work for farmers." His departure comes amid an ongoing probe into EU agricultural subsidy allocations that's already toppled multiple officials since 2025.
Opposition Seizes Momentum
With the administration's term lasting until 2027, opposition parties are turning up the heat. "This government operates like a closed club," tweeted SYRIZA party leader Stefanos Kasselakis this morning. The scandal fuels growing demands for early elections – a trend young activists are amplifying through TikTok campaigns tagged #TransparencyNow. 📱💥
What’s Next?
Analysts suggest PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis faces mounting pressure to address credibility gaps. As EU subsidy reforms loom in 2026, all eyes remain on Athens. Will this scandal become Greece's 'hot potato'? 🥔 Stay tuned with #NewspaperAmigo for real-time updates.
