ATHENS, March 15, (V7N) – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has outlined economic stability, transportation reform, and migration policy as his government’s key priorities following a cabinet reshuffle and recent political challenges.

At the first cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis emphasized a "faster and bolder" approach, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues. The reshuffle, announced Friday, comes in the wake of declining approval ratings and follows the government’s survival of a no-confidence vote over its handling of the 2023 train disaster, which has fueled ongoing protests.

Key ministerial changes included the finance, transport, migration, and civil protection portfolios, while the foreign and defense ministers remained unchanged.

Mitsotakis pointed to Greece’s improved credit rating as evidence of economic stability despite global uncertainties. Moody’s upgraded Greece’s credit rating from Ba1 to Baa3, lifting the country out of junk status, while also revising its outlook from positive to stable.

"Greece maintains one of the highest growth rates in Europe and leads in employment growth among EU nations," Mitsotakis stated, attributing this to political stability and sound economic policies.

The upgrade follows similar moves by S&P and Fitch in 2024, marking a significant turnaround for Greece since the 2010 financial crisis.

The February 28, 2023, Tempe train disaster, where a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train, remains a political flashpoint. The government has attributed the tragedy to human error and faulty infrastructure, but public distrust persists.

A recently released expert report, funded by victims’ families, alleges that the freight train was carrying illegal and unreported explosive chemicals, leading to a fireball that intensified the casualties. Investigations by Greece’s aviation and railway safety agency last month suggested the presence of an unknown fuel at the crash site, which may have caused the massive explosion.

While over 40 individuals have been prosecuted, public frustration over alleged government cover-ups has led to mass protests, with a recent demonstration marking the disaster’s second anniversary being described as Greece’s largest since 1974. A trial is not expected before the end of the year.

Mitsotakis has vowed that his new transport ministers will lead a major overhaul of the country’s infrastructure and rail safety standards.

On migration, Mitsotakis emphasized accelerating the deportation of undocumented migrants without asylum status while improving legal migration frameworks.

"Greece needs a well-structured approach to deal with these challenges, including careful legal preparation and a functional system for controlled migration," Mitsotakis stated.

Greece has recorded a 25 percent increase in migrant arrivals in 2024, with Rhodes and the southeast Aegean experiencing a 30 percent surge, prompting the government to take additional measures to manage inflows.

As the political landscape remains tense, Mitsotakis and his government are under pressure to deliver reforms, restore public trust, and maintain economic growth.

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