The new president of Thessaloniki's urban transport company (OASTh), Stelios Pappas, is the necessary experience and knowledge to lead the company, State Minister Alekos Flambouraris said in a statement on Friday.

"The selection of Stelios Pappas for the management of OASTh is a decision purely political. It is a person who has the relevant know-how and experience to be appointed in such a position," he said.
"Having worked as an economist for more than 30 years and served as president of the Economic Chamber of Greece in the past, it is clear it is a choice for battle, for a fighter of the Left who has more than 55 years of continuous presence in movements and is fighting for a better society. That's the kind of man you need to put inside the scoundrels' nest," he added. 
His comment came in response to the accusations of nepotism leveled against the government by the opposition over the appointment, as Stelios Pappas is the father of Digital Policy Minister Nikos Pappas.