For a long time, New Democracy (ND) followed a strategy of not engaging directly with parties to its right, such as Kyriakos Velopoulos’ Greek Solution. However, this approach changed recently regarding Afroditi Latinopoulou, leader of the “Voice of Reason” party, after she criticized Kyriakos Mitsotakis for having a “leftist soul” and claimed to represent the “true ND.” Latinopoulou had previously aligned herself with former ND prime ministers Samaras and Karamanlis, fueling speculation about her political aspirations.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis responded strongly, rejecting her claims and pointing out that Latinopoulou’s affiliation with far-right European groups, like those of Viktor Orbán and Marine Le Pen, disqualifies her from representing New Democracy. Marinakis emphasized that ND wouldn’t tolerate “side-swipes” from fringe parties or allow anyone to redefine its identity.

The government has clarified that while they addressed Latinopoulou’s statements, they won’t engage in ongoing debates with far-right parties. Instead, they view PASOK, particularly under its leader Nikos Androulakis, as their main political rival, with efforts underway for a potential meeting between Mitsotakis and Androulakis.

Meanwhile, the public reappearance of former prime ministers Samaras and Karamanlis at recent events has been noted, especially their absence from the ND’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Their moves signal a subtle but noticeable distance from the government’s current direction, which is being closely observed by ND’s leadership.