Kyriakos Mitsotakis was elected president of main opposition New Democracy in runoff elections on Sunday defeating Vangelis Meimarakis.

Despite all the predictions, Mr. Mitsotakis managed to bring together New Democracy members by showing them that he wants to turn over a new leaf in party’s history and achieved a clear win against Vangelis Meimarakis.

In a brief message, Mr. Mitsotakis thanked his voters, party volunteers and his family. He also made particular reference to Mr. Meimarakis calling him “a valuable colleague”, and underlined his intention to work with all candidates for the unity of the party and its revival. He also expressed the certainty that ND would be able to unite the Greeks as it had done in the past.

“Now the time of great responsibility begins,” he said, “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but the hope of citizens gives us strength, a hope that something can truly change in this country. Citizens who had turned away from politics got off their couches and participated (in voting) because they believed in the power of our arguments, and this is perhaps the most optimistic message.”

He also addressed to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras saying that “the timer counts down, the end of populism in Greece is coming” adding “Mr. Tsipras should be aware of that”.

Mr. Mitsotakis received messages of congratulations from many political leaders, among others, from prime minister Alexis Tsipras, former prime minister and former ND leader Samaras, interim ND president Yiannis Plakiotakis, Democratic Left leader Thanassis Theocharopoulos and Mitsotakis’ fellow contestants Meimarakis and regional governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas.