The resignation from his position as the Secretary of State for Rural Development and Food was announced in a public letter by Makarios Lazaridis stating that his decision was dictated by the need to keep the work of the government unhindered,in the midst of political pressures and controversies.

The letter

“Throughout my personal life I have walked with integrity and lived my family with dignity, which I will not let anyone tarnish.

I have stood by the same values in politics, always with my head held high. I have fought, in and out of parliament, with New Democracy, with a firm commitment to the principles and values I serve.

The citizens of Kavala have honoured me with their trust and elected me twice as a member of parliament in my hometown, which is for me the highest honour and responsibility.

I am proud of the battles I fought alongside Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis both during the difficult years of the opposition and during the country’s governance.

I served with consistency and a sense of duty, contributing, to the extent of my strength, to the effort for a strong and modern Greece.

From the very first moment of my public presence, I chose transparency. I made my background public during the 2019 pre-election campaign, without being obliged to do so, proving in practice that I have never been afraid of scrutiny, but on the contrary, I have sought it.
All this time I have fended off with arguments and political dignity the attacks of a toxic opposition, which, stumbling, is looking for a way to save itself electorally, investing in smears and slander about an issue that even happened almost 20 years ago.

However, in view of the need to safeguard the work of the Government and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, I am submitting my resignation from the position of Deputy Minister.

This decision does not in the least negate my belief in the principles I have served and will continue to serve.

I sincerely thank the Prime Minister for his confidence and all those who have stood by my side throughout this journey.”

</html