An interesting political development emerged from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ interview on Alpha TV’s Autopsia with Antonis Sroiter, amidst a fragmented polling landscape filled with various scenarios. The Prime Minister decisively ruled out any government intervention to amend the electoral law, particularly concerning the 3% entry threshold and the method of awarding the bonus seats to the leading party.

Mitsotakis justified his decision by stating that he does not wish to change the rules of the game while it is still in progress. However, this rationale is not the only factor at play. Throughout this period, Mitsotakis received suggestions and arguments in favor of altering the electoral law, which was initially drafted during the early months of his government in 2019. Even within the Prime Minister’s office, there were voices supporting such a change.

According to information from protothema.gr, the Prime Minister believes that making such a unilateral move at this time would appear defeatist, especially given that New Democracy (ND) continues to hold a clear lead in all polls. Furthermore, he seems to consider that raising the entry threshold from 3% to 5% might consolidate smaller parties, particularly those on the right of ND, where fragmentation is currently evident.

At present, three parties sit to the right of ND in Parliament (Greek Solution, NIKI, and the disintegrating Spartans), while another, Voice of Reason led by Afroditi Latinopoulou, looms on the horizon.

Responses to Former Leaders

In the same interview, Mitsotakis sharply responded to criticisms from former Prime Ministers Antonis Samaras and Kostas Karamanlis. These criticisms involved both the dismissals of former officials and broader policy concerns. Notably, Mitsotakis drew a clear line of separation between himself and his predecessors, even though the government’s stance was that Karamanlis had adopted a milder tone compared to Samaras. Historically, as previously reported by protothema.gr, Mitsotakis and Karamanlis have not found common ground, moving along parallel paths.

Regarding Samaras, Mitsotakis was unusually critical, though he acknowledged Samaras’ role during the financial crisis. He accused Samaras of promoting theories that undermine him, the Foreign Minister, and the President of Cyprus. Mitsotakis firmly stated that he would not tolerate the dissemination of such theories. He was also deeply annoyed by Samaras’ suggestion to dismiss Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and the reference to “flirting” with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which Mitsotakis equated with accusations of national betrayal.

“There will be no government initiative to change the electoral law,” Mitsotakis emphasized, using more definitive language than he had in September at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). He also reminded viewers that similar proposals had been made before 2023, which he considered but ultimately rejected—decisions he believes have been vindicated by subsequent outcomes.

Notably, according to a Pulse survey conducted for SKAI, 76% of New Democracy (ND) voters viewed the expulsion of Antonis Samaras positively, while 42% of respondents overall shared the same opinion.

Neither Samaras nor Karamanlis have commented on the Prime Minister’s interview, but both are expected to speak soon. Karamanlis is scheduled to address national issues on December 8, and Samaras on December 12.

No Substantial Progress

Regarding the Greek-Turkish dialogue, the issue that triggered Samaras’ expulsion, Prime Minister Mitsotakis was perhaps clearer than ever in stating that despite the improved climate, no substantial progress has been made. He indicated that the most likely outcome could be for both countries to agree that they disagree.

Indeed, the political environment, combined with Turkey’s insistence on overloading the negotiation agenda, appears to hinder efforts to focus on the core dispute.

For this reason, Mitsotakis again raised his voice against those suggesting that a prearranged agreement with Turkey was imminent and being prepared to be presented to the public.

“If the meetings with Erdoğan, the positive climate in personal relations that has been cultivated, were interpreted by some as concessions, the error is theirs,” the Prime Minister stated. “Claims that we have an agreement with Turkey, that we are dividing the Aegean, and all similar rumors are false and entirely baseless,” he added.