Greek Tourism Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Ex Husband

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni withdrew the lawsuit she had filed against her former husband, Minos Matsas, following political controversy over a co-custody provision.

Kefalogianni formally renounced the legal action she submitted on 7 January, immediately after Parliament passed the contested amendment. According to reports, she sent a written declaration to her former spouse confirming her withdrawal and cited a renewed effort to reach the best possible solution between the two parents.

The Tourism Minister had invoked a legal provision allowing the reform of a first-instance court decision on child co-custody before the appeal hearing. The opposition described the amendment as “tailor-made”, arguing that it was applied in her personal custody case. Kefalogianni insisted that she exercised a right available to every citizen under the law.

“As a mother and as a member of the Government, I believe I do not have fewer rights than any other citizen because of my position,” she stated in her announcement. She added that family matters, especially those involving minor children, should not become tools for blackmail or political exploitation.

The Prime Minister had previously left open the possibility of improving the specific provision.

The amendment allowed changes to a primary court ruling on co-custody before the case proceeded to the appellate stage. According to reports, the Ministry of Justice is now examining potential revisions to the regulation, particularly regarding provisions on the child’s place of residence.

After withdrawing her lawsuit under the disputed provision, Kefalogianni now awaits the second-instance court hearing. Reports indicate that she intends to pursue a compromise with her former husband.

In 2021, Kefalogianni and the late Marietta Giannakou voted against the original co-custody law.