Miltiadis Varvitsiotis submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from the post of Shipping and Island Policy Minister after 36-year-old Antonis Karyiotis was murdered by the crew of the Blue Horizon ferry.
Specifically, as Varvitsiotis announced on social media: "The murder of Antonis Karyiotis by members of the Blue Horizon ferry's crew has shocked us all. Nobody can believe that Greek seamen, violating the age-old rules for protecting human life at sea, first pushed and then abandoned a young man in the murky waters of Piraeus port.
"I spoke with Antonis' family and supported their pain. I promised them that Antonis will not be forgotten and I will do everything possible to honour his memory...In the last days, I became the target of an attack that is becoming increasingly toxic.
"A statement I made that was easily misinterpreted caused outrage. I immediately apologised sincerely. At no time did I equate the victim with the perpetrators... I serve the public with principles and values.
"I have learned to accept my responsibilities and not hide from difficulties. For some, I may be a good politician, and for others, a bad one, but I will not accept being attacked as a human being—my political course and personal dignity demand that I do not remain the Shipping and Island Policy Minister.
"Therefore, I submitted my resignation to the prime minister, whom I thank for his trust."
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis on Monday announced that state deputy Christos Stylianides is to take over the Shipping and Island Policy Ministry following the resignation of Miltiades Varvitsiotis, based on a decision by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The shocking video
Crew members of the ship #BlueHorizon are seen to push away a 36yo passenger that was late.
That led to the passenger losing his balance, falling in the sea and unfortunately, losing his life.
The incident took place tonight on the #Piraeus port, #Athens. pic.twitter.com/Y3StpNSKp8— Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) September 6, 2023
READ MORE: Blue Horizon: The captain and 3 other crew remanded in custody for the murder of Antonis.
