‘I have no answers’: former defence minister speechless over cabinet reshuffle

Former Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas went public on Sunday with his disappointment over President Nikos Christodoulides’ handling of the cabinet reshuffle, saying he found out minutes before the official announcement that he was getting the boot.

“I won’t hide the fact that I was upset by the unfortunate development of me stepping away,” he told Phileleftheros.

Although Giorgallas thanked the president and said Christodoulides had been satisfied with the former minister’s work and effort, he did not refrain from making a dig that his replacement was part of an effort to appease other political parties.

“I believe my replacement was the result of the urgent, pressing need to ensure the party balance in the government.”

Although the parties that helped Christodoulides get elected said the president had not liaised with them, Giorgallas insisted the reshuffle was part of an effort “to maintain the co-governors’ access to the management of power.

“I am being honest when I tell you that I have not been given an explanation and I have no answers for the president’s decision. However, I am obliged to accept it as it stems from his constitutional right to choose the members of his cabinet,” he underlined.

Lightning decision

During his farewell speech, Giorgallas specified the news of his replacement was sudden. In his interview however, he said “I cannot ignore how unfair it was to find out about his [Christodoulides’] final decisions minutes before they were announced.

“I will not hide my irritation because I did not know at the time of the announcement why I was being replaced, nor have I been given convincing answers to this day.”

Giorgallas reiterated what he said in his farewell speech: “mission accomplished”, underlining that he did everything he could in his 10 months in the office.

“I think you will agree with me that the way this cabinet reshuffle unfolded with lightning speed…Much as I understand the president’s need to tackle the pressure which came as a result of his statements for a reshuffle, I cannot ignore how unfair it was to find out minutes before the decision was announced.”

Poor communication

The former minister said the first 10 months in government had mistakes but no more than most new governments carry out in the beginning of their tenure until the find their footing.

“The problem with the Christodoulides government from the onset is our inability to community and showcase the important work which was carried out. As a result, we were constantly criticised and there was a sense of frustration on the expectations for a large part of society.”

Asked to comment on reports that Greece had been behind his ousting – which the government denied – Giorgallas said he had worked towards implementing the president’s program and not his own ideas.

“If that bothered anyone, I have no idea. Nor was any annoyance ever reported to me either by the president or others.”

He underlined he could not even consider the possibility of Athens intervening over the matter.

What now?

The former minister said he had left his post with a clear conscience, thanking Christodoulides for supporting him during his tenure without interfering in his work.

“The president knows I am here for anything I can offer for the good of the defence and security of our country.”

He underlined that during his term, he upheld his principles and values “regardless of the personal cost. My only concern was the defence of our homeland and the security of our compatriots and my only pursuit was the implementation of president Christodoulides’ government programme. I left full of knowledge, new experiences and new friendships.”

Giorgallas noted that joining a political party is not a priority for him at the moment, with his focus being on his profession as a chemical engineer.