Through a concerted effort—one that is, to an extent, a last-ditch attempt as the clock ticks down—Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking to improve the climate and conditions in the run-up to the national elections.
In this context, he has embarked on the arduous and painstaking process of resolving the outstanding disputes that arose from his choices and government decisions over recent years. These disputes currently involve prominent business figures with whom he had been in open conflict—a situation carrying serious consequences for both the government and himself personally, given that these figures control media outlets and thus possess the power to shape public opinion.
These disputes are being settled—presumably through behind-the-scenes trade-offs, of course—yet this does not mean Mr. Mitsotakis can take the election outcome, or the political landscape that will emerge in its wake, for granted. The Greek people will have the final and decisive word through their vote. Opinion polls, without exception, clearly show that New Democracy is a long way off from achieving an absolute majority, and Mr. Mitsotakis from securing a third term as prime minister.
–The goal of an absolute majority is unattainable
For the past year, an overwhelming majority—exceeding 70%—has consistently favored political change, and by extension, the removal of New Democracy from power. This figure reflects the disappointment, discontent, and indignation felt by citizens.
At the same time, 30% of those who voted for New Democracy in the 2023 elections have turned their backs on মঞ্জού the party. This indicates a significant and intractable problem. Furthermore, it remains doubtful whether—or to what extent—some of these voters might be willing to give Mr. Mitsotakis a “third chance” by returning to the fold.
International circumstances, but above all the government’s own decisions, have placed a large segment of the Greek public in an extremely difficult position. This is reflected in every opinion poll conducted over the past several months. Moreover, the government’s announcements regarding the handling of key everyday issues—such as the high cost of living and energy prices—are not yielding the expected results.
While economic indicators may be robust, a large proportion of citizens are struggling, and some are facing genuine hardship. With only four to five months remaining until the elections—a short timeframe—the government and the Prime Minister must shift the public mood and approach the polls under more favorable conditions. Even New Democracy officials believe the remaining time is insufficient; Mr. Mitsotakis, however, is convinced of the exact opposite.
–A rocky road to the elections for New Democracy
Yet, beyond public discontent, they must also contend with the threat posed by the new party to be founded by Antonis Samaras. The support it garners will likely come primarily from New Democracy’s own voter base, thereby depriving the party of vital strength in the battle for an outright parliamentary majority—or, at the very least, political dominance.
Furthermore, Mr. Mitsotakis will have to contend with the silent disapproval of yet another former prime minister, K. Karamanlis, who signals in every way that he wishes to have no contact or relationship with Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s New Democracy. Moreover, should Mr. Karamanlis break his silence and side with Mr. Samaras—as many anticipate—then the situation for the incumbent prime minister will become even more difficult, and the outlook ahead of the elections increasingly bleak.
Photo: Digital illustration / paron.gr
TO PARON
