Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis addressed growing speculation that he is among the candidates to succeed outgoing Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe, saying the attention itself is a sign of how far Greece has come in recent years.
Speaking during a Q&A session with journalists after submitting the 2026 draft budget, Pierrakakis characterized the reports as “a great honor for our country” and used the opportunity to highlight both Greece’s strengthened standing in Europe and the significance of the Eurogroup at a pivotal moment for the eurozone.
International outlets, including the Irish Times, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times, have listed Pierrakakis among several names circulating in Brussels. Belgium’s Vincent Van Peteghem and Spain’s Carlos Cuerpo are also cited as leading contenders. Donohoe’s departure from the Irish government to take up a senior position at the World Bank brings his Eurogroup presidency to an early close.
Eurozone finance ministers are expected to discuss the timeline for choosing a successor at the December 11–12 Eurogroup and Ecofin meetings. Cyprus’s finance minister, Makis Keravnos, is serving as acting president until a vote is held.
When asked directly about the speculation, Pierrakakis offered the following statement in full:
“Let me share four thoughts. First, it is a great honor for our country to be mentioned in this context. It reflects the distance Greece has traveled, and it gives us strength. Second, I want to acknowledge the outgoing Eurogroup president, who played a decisive role for Europe during difficult times. Third, the Eurogroup itself is an institution of major importance. And fourth, Greece now brings real credibility to the table because of the path it has followed.”
Source: tovima.com
