Costas Tsiaras

Athanassios Randos has been appointed president president of the Council of State, Greece's top administrative court, it was announced Thursday.
His appointment was made on a recommendation by Justice Minister Costas Tsiaras.
Randos had until now served as vice-president.
Randos replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou who was recently elected Greek President.

Greek officials Tuesday scrapped plans to criminalize blasphemy as a law-and-order debate intensified between the country's new conservative government and the left-wing opposition.
Justice Minister Costas Tsiaras said the proposal has been removed from draft legislation that's being debated in Parliament. It would have made blasphemy punishable by up to two years in prison.

An overhaul of the penal code by the conservative government foresees tougher penalties for migrant trafficking, rape and child abuse, as well as the reinstatement of penalties for blasphemy, according to statements by Justice Minister Costas Tsiaras before a parliamentary committee.  

Iosif Tsalaganidis has been appointed president of Greece's Supreme Court, it was announced Wednesday. He previously served as court vice-president.

Opposition parties indicated on Tuesday that they will boycott Parliament after the government submitted a series of amendments to the House, chiefly foreseeing public sector hirings.