George S. Petalotis (Greek: Γεώργιος Σ. Πεταλωτής,[1][2] born 11 March 1964 in Komotini, Greece) is a Greek politician of the Movement of Democratic Socialists. Under the former Greek prime minister George Papandreou he served as government spokesman and as Deputy Minister for Justice, Transparency and Human Rights.

George S. Petalotis
Γεώργιος Σ. Πεταλωτής
Spokesman of the
Movement of Democratic Socialists
Assumed office
3 January 2015
Serving with Filippos Sachinidis
Deputy Minister for Justice, Transparency and Human Rights
In office
17 June 2011 – 17 May 2012
Prime MinisterGeorge Papandreou
Lucas Papademos
Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesman
In office
7 October 2009 – 17 June 2011
Prime MinisterGeorge Papandreou
Preceded byEvangelos Antonaros
Succeeded byAngelos Tolkas (deputy minister)
Elias Mossialos (gov't spokesman)
Personal details
Born (1964-03-11) 11 March 1964 (age 60)
Komotini, Greece
Political partyMovement of Democratic Socialists (since 2015), PASOK (until 2015)
Other political
affiliations
Movement for Change
SpouseKleopatra A. Stogiannidou
Childrenone daughter
Alma materAristotle University of Thessaloniki, Democritus University of Thrace, University of Heidelberg
ProfessionAttorney
Websitewww.gpetalotis.gr

Life

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Early life

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Petalotis graduated from the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He continued his studies in the Law School of the Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining a Ph.D. in Penal and Criminal Science.

He completed his academic studies in the University of Heidelberg, Germany, with a Major of Sciences in Legal Terminology, Language and Culture.

Professional career

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In 1993, Petalotis became a member of the bar association of the Rhodope Prefecture, and was elected as the body's president in 1998. He remained active until 2002, when he quit his position to undertake responsibilities in the coordinating committee of the plenary of presidents of the bar associations of Greece. In 2005, he was re-elected as a president of the bar association of the Rhodope Prefecture.

Petalotis was the first correspondent of the Greek Council for Refugees, in cooperation with the corresponding United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Political career

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In 2007, Petalotis was elected on the list of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) to represent the Rhodope constituency in the Hellenic Parliament. After the 2009 election, Petalotis was appointed Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesman. From 17 June 2011 until the May 2012 election, he was Deputy Minister for Justice, Transparency and Human Rights.

On 3 January 2015, it was announced that Petalotis would join former prime minister Papandreou in leaving PASOK to found the new Movement of Democratic Socialists. Petalotis and Filippos Sachinidis were appointed the media representatives of the new party.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Official website of the Government Spokesman (in Greek)(in English)
  2. ^ Officials, The Secretariat General of Communication
  3. ^ "Papandreou launches party, aims for post-election role". Kathimerini. 2015-01-03. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
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