Theodoros Dritsas

The procedure for the privatization of Thessaloniki Port Authority (OLTH) is about to restart following the departure of minister Theodoros Dritsas from the Shipping Ministry. Binding bids for the Athens-listed corporation are now expected for January.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras proceeded on Friday with a long-awaited government reshuffle, moving out some ministers who have opposed bailout reforms and bringing some new blood into the administration.

Government officials indicated Tuesday that a cabinet reshuffle will probably happen next week rather than this week as the administration awaits Wednesday's anticipated court verdict on the constitutionality of a controversial auction for television licenses and attempts to keep a lid on internal dissent.

Following pressure by the country's creditors as well as market opposition, Shipping Minister Theodoros Dritsas has been forced to abandon his ambition of creating a Piraeus Port Public Authority (DALP).

The draft law put up on Thursday for public consultation provides for the creation of a Public Authority for Ports (DAL), but not for Piraeus.

“There is still a lot to be done until the concession of the shares in June,” said Shipping Minister Theodoros Dritsas arguing that there is a series of legal procedures to be concluded first.

Speaking to MEGAT TV channel, he stated that new mechanisms will be set up, such as Public Authority of Piraeus Port, which, as it is estimated, will create a new ‘public’ OLP.

Greek government puts into effect what Shipping and Island Policy Minister Theodoros Dritsas said on Sunday concerning Greece’s intention to equally distribute the refugees and immigrants throughout the country, if there is no European solution.

With 25,000 immigrants and refugees trapped in many places all over Greece, the government is looking for places to host them.

Shipping and Island Policy Minister Theodoros Dritsas told SKAI TV that the government is planning to send refugees and immigrants all over the country, if European Union fails to find a common solution to stem refugee flow.

The number of refugees and immigrants who are trapped in Greece after FYROM’s decision to close its borders continues to increase. Up to now more than 25,000 people have been scattered all over Greece.

Despite the fact that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Minister of Defence Panos Kammenos stated that hotspots will be ready within next week, Shipping Minister Theodoros Dritsas stated on Thursday that they will be ready by the end of February.

The Greek government decided to ask the help of the Hellenic Armed Forces in order to complete in 15 days all the actions required so as to comply with its commitments on the refugee issue following the 3-month deadline EU has given to Greece.