Makarios Lazaridis

Makarios Lazaridis, the deputy agriculture minister of Greece, resigned in April 2026 amid controversy over his academic qualifications. Reports indicate that Lazaridis holds a diploma from the College of Southeastern Europe, a now-defunct private institution whose credentials were not officially recognized as equivalent to a university degree in Greece (POLITICO, Xinhua). Lazaridis was employed in the public sector in roles that required a university degree, which he allegedly obtained through this diploma, raising allegations of credential fraud. His resignation followed widespread criticism and accusations that he obtained public sector positions by presenting unrecognized academic credentials, with opposition parties describing the allegations as politically motivated and defamatory (Xinhua). Lazaridis initially defended himself, denying the allegations, but ultimately resigned to allow the government to continue its work without distraction. The controversy was linked to broader issues of transparency and accountability within the Greek government, especially amid investigations into EU agricultural subsidies and other irregularities involving government officials (POLITICO). There are no reports of criminal charges, indictments, convictions, or other legal proceedings against Lazaridis related to these allegations, and he publicly rejected the accusations as politically motivated.