ATHENS — The new Interior Minister Makis Voridis assumed his duties on Tuesday alongide new Alternate Interior Minister Stelios Petsas and new Deputy Minister for Macedonia & Thrace Stavros Kalafatis.

Until their new appointment, Voridis served as Rural Development & Foods Minister and Petsas as the government's spokesperson.

Outgoing Minister Takis Theodorikakos welcomed Voridis and the new ministers.

Earlier today, The new Energy & Environment Minister Kostas Skrekas assumed his duties on Tuesday afternoon, welcomed by former Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

The new Energy & Environment Minister Kostas Skrekas assumed his duties on Tuesday afternoon, welcomed by former Minister Kostis Hatzidakis. (Photo by Eurokinissi)

In a speech, Hatzidakis referred to the ministry's work thus far, mentioning reforms in the electricity market and important legislations that have ensured the future of renewable energy sources in Greece.

New Deputy Justice Minister Giorgos Kotsiras assumed his duties on Tuesday, welcomed by Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras.

"The is a long road ahead of us, in our attempt to reach the era of digital justice," said Tsiaras in his welcoming speech.

The new Shipping & Island Policy Deputy Minister Konstantinos Katsafardos assumed his duties on Tuesday afternoon, following his swearing-in ceremony.

He was warmly welcomed by Minister Giannis Plakiotakis, who mentioned that the ministry's new bill on island policy will be tabled in parliament later in January.

Meanwhile, the two new Deputy Ministers of Education assumed their duties on Tuesday afternoon, after their swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day.

Zeta Makri and Aggelos Syrigos took over from Sophia Zacharaki and Vassilis Digalakis, respectively. Makri will be responsible for issues pertaining to schools at all grades, and Syrigos will take on issues concerning universities.

Minister Niki Kerameus, who was present in the hand-over, wished them every strength and success in their new duties.

The new Rural Development and Foods Minister Spilios Livanos took over from his predecessor Makis Voridis at the ministry after he was sworn in on Tuesday. (Photo by Eurokinissi)

The new Rural Development and Foods Minister Spilios Livanos took over from his predecessor Makis Voridis at the ministry after he was sworn in on Tuesday, assuming his first ministerial post after serving as New Democracy's parliamentary spokesperson.

Voridis, who is taking over the interior ministry, welcomed him and expressed confidence in his abilities.

"It is a great honour and very moving for me, that the paths we opened together decades ago should lead here," said Livanos in his first statement as minister, wishing Voridis and the former deputy minister Kostas Skrekas, who will now be taking over as minister at the environment and energy ministry, every success in their new duties.

The new Deputy Tourism Minister Sophia Zacharaki assumed her duties on Tuesday, and was welcomed by both Minister Harry Theocharis and outgoing Deputy Minister Manos Konsolas.

In her speech, Zacharaki said that tourism will help Greece "stand on its own two feet" in 2021, and that the specific industry will "play a catalytic role in exiting the crisis."

The hand-over ceremony at the Interior Ministry's Macedonia & Thrace sector will take place on Thursday, January 7, at 11:00.