Samaras keeps government guessing over new party plans
Former Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras is continuing to keep the government guessing over the launch of a new political party, with the prolonged uncertainty increasingly unsettling the ruling New Democracy.
Speaking recently in Heraklion, Crete, Samaras strongly hinted that he intends to move forward with the project but stopped short of revealing when any formal announcement might be made.
According to article published in tovima, government officials are concerned not only about the potential electoral impact of a new party on New Democracy’s support base, but also about the political damage caused by the ongoing speculation itself.
Alternative home for disaffected conservatives
According to government sources, the discussion surrounding a possible Samaras-led party is encouraging dissatisfied conservative voters to view it as a credible alternative within the broader centre-right political camp.
Officials fear the prospect of a new party could attract voters who have drifted into abstention, those unhappy with the government's performance, and supporters who have already shifted to parties further to the right.
The uncertainty has also complicated the government's response to Samaras, who has repeatedly criticised the administration on issues including foreign policy, corruption allegations and the wiretapping scandal.
Mitsotakis expected to respond
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to address the issue indirectly during a meeting of New Democracy’s Political Committee on Wednesday.
According to government officials, Mitsotakis will emphasize the party’s patriotic credentials, a message seen as a response to critics within the conservative camp, including Samaras.
Relations between the two men have deteriorated in recent months, with both sides exchanging increasingly sharp public criticism.
Government prepares for political challenge
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis downplayed the significance of the potential new party, saying citizens are more concerned with practical solutions and everyday issues than political rivalries.
Meanwhile, New Democracy spokeswoman Alexandra Sdoukou acknowledged that a Samaras-led party would be unwelcome but said the ruling party would compete against it politically if it enters the electoral arena.
“If Mr. Samaras wishes to form a party, we will compete against him politically, and the Greek people will judge,” she said.
No announcement expected before autumn
Despite mounting speculation, sources close to Samaras indicate that no formal steps toward launching a new party are expected before the autumn.
For now, the former prime minister’s strategy of keeping his intentions unclear is continuing to generate unease within government circles, where officials remain uncertain about the scale of the challenge that could emerge on the right of the political spectrum ahead of future elections.
Source:tovima
