Greece's main opposition party Syriza has appointed its new parliamentary sector heads, placing prominent lawmaker Rena Dourou in charge of foreign affairs and national defence.
The assignments were decided during a meeting of the Syriza Parliamentary Group in Athens on Thursday, August 20, 2026. According to an official party statement, several key figures were handed double portfolios to oversee main government policy areas.
Syriza, officially known as the Coalition of the Radical Left - Progressive Alliance, is Greece's primary left-wing opposition force in the Hellenic Parliament. The party's sector heads, commonly referred to as shadow ministers, monitor government departments and lead policy debates against sitting ministry officials.
Foreign Affairs and Defence Assignments
Rena Dourou, a senior party figure and former regional governor of Attica, was handed leadership of both the foreign affairs and national defence sectors for the parliamentary group. The dual assignment places Dourou at the head of Syriza's parliamentary scrutiny over international relations and military policy.
Key Shadow Cabinet Appointments
Former cabinet minister Nikos Pappas was appointed to lead the economy and development sector, while also taking responsibility for maritime affairs and insular policy. Lawmaker Pavlos Polakis was assigned to head the health sector alongside the transparency portfolio, continuing his focus on anti-corruption oversight.
Theofilos Xanthopoulos was named sector head for both interior affairs and agricultural development and food. Lawmaker Giorgos Papailiou received three portfolios, taking charge of citizen protection, justice, as well as labour and social security.
Culture, Education and Social Policy Roles
Elena Akrita was appointed to oversee rights and equality, digital policy, and welfare and social cohesion. Christos Giannoulis will lead the transport and infrastructure portfolio alongside energy and environment.
Theodora Akriotou takes charge of culture as well as migration and asylum. Giannis Karipidis was named sector head for climate crisis and civil protection, as well as tourism. Giannis Amanatidis was assigned the education and sports sector.
Parliamentary Representatives and Leadership
Syriza also announced its parliamentary leadership structure, naming Giannis Amanatidis as secretary of the parliamentary group and Natasa Gara as director of the parliamentary group.
Christos Giannoulis and Theofilos Xanthopoulos were appointed as official parliamentary representatives. Giannoulis will handle standing parliamentary committees covering financial affairs, social affairs, production, and trade. Xanthopoulos will oversee standing committees for educational affairs, public administration, public order and justice, national defence, and foreign affairs.
