Maria Kefala

The atmosphere was festive today at the Maximos Mansion, where, two days after the approval of the budget in Parliament, Kyriakos Mitsotakis invited New Democracy MPs who are not members of the government for a “relaxed wine” ahead of the holidays.

“Today is dedicated to all New Democrats – we honor both those present and those absent. The gift New Democracy asks of us on its birthday is to build the future even faster.”

New Democracy returns to its historic headquarters on Rigillis Street to mark 50 years of existence.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sought to rekindle his center-right government's spark with a reshuffle on Friday, excluding 11 members.

The move, which came amid a persistent cost-of-living crisis and a disappointing showing in the European Parliament election, also showed intent to demonstrate policy consistency with the foreign and finance ministers keeping their places.

The new Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family will work on "strengthening the family" and on the "harmonization that must exist between professional and family life," its first minister has said.

Sofia Zacharaki was speaking at the handover ceremony at the former Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which will be split in two to create the new ministry.