Crisis within New Democracy: Karamanlis, Samaras refuse to attend, 8 new "rebel" MPs

Greece
Thu, 3 Oct 2024 9:13 GMT
A significant crisis is unfolding within Greece's ruling New Democracy (ND) party just a day before its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Crisis within New Democracy: Karamanlis, Samaras refuse to attend, 8 new "rebel" MPs

Former Prime Ministers Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras have declined Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' personal invitations to attend the anniversary event, which is seen as a sign of deepening divisions within the party and growing criticism of Mitsotakis.

In addition, eight MPs aligned with Samaras have posed questions to two ministers, further highlighting the growing internal opposition. This group of MPs is distinct from the 11 MPs who previously criticized the government over "red loans," suggesting that the number of dissenting MPs within the party may be approaching 30.

A report by Vasilis Skouris on Dnews.gr titled "Crisis within New Democracy: Karamanlis and Samaras Refuse to Attend, 8 New 'Rebel' MPs" details the growing tension:

"Former Prime Ministers Karamanlis and Samaras are challenging the party leadership, and there is now a third proposal for a parliamentary question focusing on the identity of New Democracy's voter base.

Both Karamanlis and Samaras are expected to boycott the party's 50th-anniversary celebration at the historic headquarters in Rigillis, despite receiving personal phone invitations from the Prime Minister. Mitsotakis is also scheduled to speak at the event.

The absence of the two former leaders, especially after personal invitations, sends a clear message of opposition to Mitsotakis.

Mitsotakis' strategy appears to have been to force the two into a dilemma: either attend the event and be among the applauding crowd, or face criticism for skipping such an important celebration. However, this move seems to have backfired, as both former prime ministers have chosen to ignore the invitation, signaling broader dissent.

This joint stance from Karamanlis and Samaras also highlights the formation of a distinct faction within the party that represents a different political direction and identity for New Democracy.

Eight New "Rebel" MPs

At the same time, eight MPs aligned with Samaras have tabled questions directed at Education Minister Niki Kerameus and Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis, disregarding the Prime Minister’s efforts to unify the party.

These eight MPs are different from the 11 who previously raised concerns about "red loans," further confirming reports that opposition within ND exceeds 20 MPs. The recent expulsion of Marios Salmas from the party seems to have had little effect in deterring other dissenters, with some reports suggesting the number of rebel MPs could reach 30 or even 40.

Another parliamentary question is expected soon, this time focusing on farmers' issues, which will further deepen internal party conflicts.

A noteworthy detail is that nearly all of the rebel MPs are politically close to the two former prime ministers. Coincidence?

What Will Maximos Do?

Amid economic challenges, wars in the region, and growing East-West tensions, the Mitsotakis government is struggling to recover, and internal opposition is becoming more organized.

The Prime Minister’s office's strategy to contain the rebels seems to be failing, and the situation is worsening.

As a result, it is clear that Mitsotakis must seek a new approach—if one exists. Otherwise, with the current state of affairs in SYRIZA and PASOK, early political developments in Greece may not be far off."

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