Following Marios Salmas’ removal from the New Democracy the parliamentary group, the party finds itself in a state of heightened activity. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is currently in New York for key meetings with world leaders such as Tayyip Erdogan and Emmanuel Macron.
Amidst events, a new engagement model between ministers and MPs is being launched today. This initiative aims to improve communication between ministers and the parliamentary group, with ministers addressing the concerns of MPs more directly. Many New Democracy MPs have previously complained about a lack of legislative and policy decisions. This is set to change with the first in a series of meetings, starting at noon today. Labour Minister Niki Kerameos will meet with New Democracy MPs at the party’s parliamentary offices for discussions on relevant issues within her portfolio.
The Secretary of the New Democracy’s Central Committee, Stavros Kalafatis, has organized these meetings and a set schedule for future sessions with other ministers. Upcoming discussions are planned with ministers from key portfolios, including Rural Development and Food (Kostas Tsiaras), Health (Adonis Georgiadis), Social Cohesion and Family (Sofia Zacharaki), Interior (Theodoros Livanios), and Development (Takis Theodorikakos).
Confirmation of a High-Level Meeting
Additionally, it was confirmed yesterday that Kyriakos Mitsotakis will hold a more informal meeting with party members at the Maximos Mansion in the coming days. This gathering aims to strengthen relations within the party and is expected to occur in a relaxed setting. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that this meeting is not connected to recent political turbulence but is part of a broader celebration of New Democracy’s 50th anniversary.
“The Prime Minister regularly meets with members of the Parliamentary Group whenever he is in Greece, and this will continue, especially in light of the 50th-anniversary celebrations,” Marinakis stated, adding that these events are not linked to current political dynamics but are part of a broader commemorative program. According to sources, the most likely date for this meeting is October 1.
Salmas Case Casts a Shadow Over Questioning
Meanwhile, the dismissal of Salmas remains a hot topic among New Democracy MPs. While few have supported Salmas’ actions, some figures like Afroditi Latinopoulou have expressed political praise for him, while Kyriakos Velopoulos (Real FM) has indicated that he is not interested in bringing Salmas into his party, Hellenic Solution.
Several New Democracy MPs, particularly those who had previously co-signed questions on red loans, wish to continue raising tough questions. Giorgos Vlachos, for instance, has stressed in radio interviews that he plans to revisit the issue of red loans.
However, Salmas’ expulsion has somewhat slowed the momentum of this initiative. Many MPs are hesitant to align themselves with the disgraced former member, despite sharing concerns over issues like red loans. While New Democracy MPs are aware of the need for a stronger opposition and are cautious not to appear disloyal to the government, they also feel an increasing need to reflect the concerns of their constituents and “wake up” the party to the challenges they perceive on the ground.
New Democracy finds itself balancing internal dissent with efforts to maintain party unity, as both ministers and MPs work to address policy concerns while navigating the aftermath of Salmas’ expulsion.
