The unveiling of half of New Democracy’s European Parliament candidates is expected today, as the governing party will release about 20 out of the 42 names that will compose it. Some initial announcements had already been made in previous days through leaks, but now several executives will receive the “green light” to start their campaigns.
As for ND’s current MEPs, a new term will be sought by the head of ND’s Central Committee, Vangelis Meimarakis as well as Eliza Vozemberg, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Maria Spyraki, and Manolis Kefalogiannis. From the 2019 cohort, Anna-Michel Asimakopoulou is left out following recent developments in the email affair, Theodoros Zagorakis, who is moving towards PASOK, and George Kyrtsos, who has been expelled from ND.
Additionally, the candidacy of individuals whose nomination has already been anticipated will be formalized. Among them are former Minister Evie Christofilopoulou, former Minister Vasilis Kontozamanis, Thessaloniki’s Vice-Governor Voula Patoulidou, President of the Panhellenic Medical Association Thanasis Exadaktylos, Professor of International Relations at Democritus University Sotiris Serbos, and former Mayor of Samos Michalis Angelopoulos.
Fresh names will include the Director of the Prime Minister’s Press Office Dimitris Tsiodras, Olympic champion and former PASOK MP Pyrros Dimas, Professor Napoleon Maraveyas, former ND MP for Piraeus A’ and co-host of a Mega TV show Noni Dounia. A second chance is expected for former Minister George Amyras and journalist Vicky Flessa, who were also on the 2019 European ballot. Also on the list are ND executive Spyros Karanikolas and ND Volunteering Secretary Piste Krystalidou. According to information, Mr. Tsiodras will continue his duties until the formal announcement of the European ballot, when his replacement will be announced.
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Furthermore, the first wave of blue announcements will include figures from ONNED and the expatriate community. For example, from ONNED, the Secretary of International Relations Vasilis Sakellaris will participate in the European ballot, while from the expatriate community, there will be a candidacy even from the Greek community of Australia.
The names to be announced do not include that of George Autias, the SKAI journalist, who will continue until the formal announcement of the European ballot, which will take place the week after the ND conference from April 5th to 7th at Zappeion. Also pending is the case of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri from the indigenous Ethnic Greek Minority of Northern Epirus, in southern Albania.
