New Democracy MP from the island of Lefkada, Athanasios Kavvadas, has been appointed Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Food on Monday.

According to the government spokesman, Kavvadas will take over the portfolio immediately after the departure of his predecessor.

Kavvadas replaces Makarios Lazaridis who was forced to resign from the post on Saturday over irregularities of his education credentials during his hiring as “scientific expert” at the Education Ministry, almost two decades ago. Lazaridis was appointed at this post on April 3, replacing the political leadership of the above mentioned ministry as their names have been involved in the case file  of the European Public Prosecutor’s office regarding the illegal distribution of EU funds.

 64-year-old Athanasios Kavvadas has reportedly built a successful career in the Greek Armed forces, the private business sector and in politics.

He began his professional career in the Air Force in 1983 after graduating from a military technical academy. He served in various roles until 2006, when he retired as a senior officer. He was later recognized by Greece’s national air academy in 2016.

Alongside his military service, he entered the private sector in 1987, founding a beverage business in his home region.

In 2020, he completed postgraduate studies in philosophy and business management at a major university in Athens.

He was elected to the national parliament in 2015.

In parliament, he has held several key positions, including chairing a major economic committee. He has also served in senior roles within his parliamentary group and participated in committees focused on defense, public finance, and regional development.

Beyond politics, Kavvadas has been active in local sports administration, including leadership roles in regional football organizations.