It was officially announced today that Greece proposes Apóstolos Tsitsikostas as a Commissioner to the European Commission. This afternoon, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will meet with Mr. Tsitsikostas at the Maximos Mansion, and now we await the European announcements regarding the portfolio that the country will receive.
A little earlier, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized: “Apóstolos Tsitsikostas is a person with experience in institutional roles both in Greece and in Europe, where he was elected President of the European Committee of the Regions in 2020. At the same time, the Governor of Central Macedonia is a young man who has been elected three times with percentages above 50%.” Regarding why Margaritis Schinas’ term was not renewed, the government spokesman emphasized that “the tradition, what has been happening all these years, is that we do not have a second term” and thanked Mr. Schinas.
The Factors Weighed by Maximos
According to information, the decision for Apóstolos Tsitsikostas was made at the Maximos Mansion after weighing a series of factors.
For example, his track record so far was taken into account since in February 2020 he was elected President of the European Committee of the Regions and is the first Greek to be elected head of a European body.
Additionally, it appears that the fact that Apóstolos Tsitsikostas has a long-standing history in New Democracy was seriously considered, as he can also speak to a broader audience and not just a partisan crowd.
It is not coincidental that members of the ruling party emphasize that in the last regional elections, Mr. Tsitsikostas was elected (in Central Macedonia) from the first round and indeed with a percentage reaching 60%.
Why the Option of a Minister Did Not Go Forward
Information suggests that although the names of ministers were considered for “transfer” to the Commissioner position in Brussels, such scenarios did not materialize. It was deemed that there should not be new changes in the government structure just a few weeks after the last reshuffle.
The fact that the Prime Minister had come to this decision was evident from a conversation he had a week ago with journalists at the reception for the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy. There, he made it clear that Greece was going to propose a person for the position of Commissioner.
It is reminded that Ursula von der Leyen had asked states to propose one man and one woman and to follow with the final selection; however, Greece and other countries chose to propose only one person.
The time for announcements regarding the portfolio is approaching.
It should be noted that there is particular interest regarding the portfolios that Greece could obtain, as highlighted by the government spokesman. “Mr. Tsitsikostas’ selection is a politically characterized choice that highlights the importance of Macedonia and Northern Greece for Europe, as a region with strategic position, connectivity, and geopolitical significance for both the Balkans and Southeastern Europe, as well as being the northeastern tip of the Mediterranean,” he noted.
The latest information suggests that a portfolio that the Greek side could take is that of Transport, while there is also interest in the portfolio of Enlargement. Of course, there is interest in portfolios such as Defense, Energy, or Competitiveness, which, however, are claimed by strong players.