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Deputy Minister of the Merchant Marine George Vernicos resigned from Antonis Samaras’ office after the political opposition SYRIZA’s revelations that Vernicos is a shareholder in an offshore company.

The exposing press release of the radical left reads, "We have no personal attitude against the new Deputy Minister of the Merchant Marine George Vernicos. It is just the opposite – we greatly respect his opposition role against the junta and in defending democracy. However, law 3849/2010 (Article 6) is very specific – ministers and other functioning political personalities are prohibited from involvement in offshore companies. Punishment and financial penalties are stipulated in case of breaching it."

In addition, the message of SYRIZA indicates that ministerial decision 3122.1/4566/24886 approved the establishment of a Greek office of the company VERNICOS OFFSHORE GROUP SA, headquartered in the Marshall Islands. SYRIZA’s  Public Relations Department emphasized that if Vernicos is (directly or indirectly) connected with the specific company, this will be in conflict with his new ministerial post and requires that Samaras’ office should immediately explain the relevant case.

Minutes later, there was no explanation but George Vernicos resigned.