New Democracy replaces rapporteur following criticism of defense minister's director

The parliamentary group of the New Democracy party has decided to replace Makarios Lazaridis as the rapporteur for two upcoming bills from the Ministry of National Defence. Giorgos Amiras, the MP for Ioannina, will take over the role.

The decision follows a public social media post by Lazaridis, the MP for Kavala, in which he criticized Dimitris Perdikis, the director of National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. Lazaridis claimed that Perdikis failed to respond to his phone calls and text messages regarding coordination for the upcoming legislative work. In his post, Lazaridis accused the director of “arrogance” and “pride,” concluding with the remark, “Let Nikos Dendias enjoy it!”

The two defense-related bills are scheduled for discussion and ratification in the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday, September 17, 2026.