New Democracy replaces Makarios Lazaridis as defense rapporteur after clash with Nikos Dendias aide

Parliamentary role reassignment

The parliamentary group of Greece's ruling New Democracy party removed lawmaker Makarios Lazaridis from his role as majority rapporteur for two Ministry of National Defence ratification bills on 11 September 2026. Party leadership appointed Ioannina lawmaker Giorgos Amyras to assume the rapporteur duties in place of Lazaridis, who represents the Kavala constituency. The two international defense agreements are scheduled for debate and a plenary vote in the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday, 17 September 2026. Lazaridis had originally been designated to present and guide the ratification bills through the legislature on behalf of the ruling majority before his removal.

Social media criticism of ministry staff

The reassignment followed a public statement published by Lazaridis on social media on the afternoon of Thursday, 10 September 2026. The Kavala lawmaker targeted Dimitris Perdikis, the director of the office of National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, alleging that Perdikis ignored official communication. Lazaridis stated that he placed a phone call to Perdikis at 11:39 on Thursday morning to coordinate on the upcoming ratification agreements and followed up with a text message after the call went unanswered. He accused the ministerial aide of demonstrating haughtiness and arrogance.

“Just so you understand the haughtiness and arrogance of some people. His name is Dimitris Perdikis. Director of the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias. Yesterday, at 11:39, I contacted him by phone. He did not answer. At the same time I sent him an SMS to contact me, as I wanted to cooperate, since next week I am New Democracy's rapporteur on two ratifications of the Ministry of National Defence. Until this moment when I make the post, Mr. Perdikis has not contacted me. May Nikos Dendias enjoy him!”

Ministry coordination and procedural channels

The public message generated internal friction within the parliamentary group, leading to party discussions and the decision to replace the rapporteur. Information reported by Naftemporiki indicated that Lazaridis had been advised approximately one and a half days prior to his post to communicate directly with Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis rather than Perdikis. Davakis was assigned to represent the ministry during the parliamentary debates on the two ratification bills. Following the internal discussions, Lazaridis requested his own replacement, and party leadership formalized Amyras's appointment.

Party background and previous disputes

The incident follows earlier public friction involving Lazaridis within New Democracy. Lazaridis, a former deputy minister of rural development and food and an alumnus of Southeastern College, had previously addressed public discussions regarding his university credentials. In February 2026, Lazaridis also engaged in an earlier public confrontation involving Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. With Amyras confirmed as rapporteur on 11 September 2026, parliamentary proceedings for the defense agreements will continue toward the scheduled vote on 17 September.