Outgoing economy and development minister Dimitris Papadimitriou may be the first Greek minister to have tendered his resignation by SMS, sent directly to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ cell phone.
Papadimitriou’s resignation note, according to a report in the daily Ethnos, was a 31-word message that reads as follows:
“Good evening Alexis. I believe you understand that it is difficult for me to remain in the government. For that reason, I am giving you my resignation. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to serve the country.”
Tsipras’ response was reportedly immediate:
“I am very sorry. Sometimes life brings things differently than we plan them. I understand your difficulty and respect it. I want to thank you for all you have done.”
Several hours later, the prime minister’s office announced Papadimitriou’s departure from the government, which led directly to the expected cabinet reshuffle.
