Yannis Mouzalas

Ioannis Mouzalas is a Greek obstetrician-gynecologist, surgeon and one of the founding members of the Greek chapter of Doctors of the World.

In August 2015, he was appointed Alternate Minister for Immigration Policy in the Caretaker Cabinet of Vassiliki Thanou-Christophilou. Following the September 2015 election, he was confirmed in office as a member of the Second Cabinet of Alexis Tsipras. From November 2016 to July 2019, the immigration portfolio was elevated to a ministry in its own right.

Early life and education

Mouzalas graduated from the Athens Medical School, University of Athens, before continuing his studies in Milan and London.

Political career

Mouzalas was appointed as the Alternate Minister of Immigration Policy in the Caretaker Cabinet of Vassiliki Thanou-Christophilou. On 4 September, he announced four measures to help combat the European migrant crisis: creation of a coordination centre to manage the refugee flow, improved and increased logistical and staff support to existing facilities, taking immediate advantage of European solidarity program and community funds and providing necessary funds and resources to help local economies on the islands affected.

On 15 March 2016, in an interview with Skai TV, Mouzalas referred to Greece's northern neighbour simply as "Macedonia", sparking a demand for his resignation from coalition partner Panos Kammenos due to the Macedonia naming dispute. Mouzalas apologised for "slip-up", but on 16 March Kammenos reiterated his demand for Mouzalas' resignation. Following a lunchtime meeting with Alexis Tsipras, Kammenos declared that the "Independent Greeks support the government but not the migration minister." Nevertheless, the government defended Mouzalas, saying in a statement that it was "irresponsible and hypocritical" to undermine him during the European migrant crisis.