Clear changes in the domestic political landscape are recorded in two new polls conducted in March, as the war in the Middle East continues and Europe seeks its own response to the economic and energy impacts of ongoing uncertainty in the region.

The government’s actions since the start of the war—to shield Cyprus and to put necessary barriers against rising energy and fuel prices—combined with a climate of stability amid international uncertainty, appear to be strengthening the image of the ruling party.

In two polls—by MRB for Open and Metron Analysis for Mega—New Democracy records a significant rise, reaching 31.1% in vote estimation, moving to a new level on the polling map.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis also records a strong lead in suitability for prime minister, while other findings in both polls confirm the strengthening momentum of the governing party.

PASOK stabilizes in second place with a noticeable gap from the third party; however, this shift does not improve the image of Nikos Androulakis in terms of suitability for prime minister—he remains in fourth place, behind Zoe Konstantopoulou and Kyriakos Velopoulos.

Course of Freedom and Hellenic Solution, however, record declines—although Zoe Konstantopoulou still ranks second in suitability for prime minister and is the most popular political leader.

The MRB poll

New Democracy’s lead rises to 17.1 points, reaching 31.1% (projected over the total sample) in the MRB poll presented on Open’s main news bulletin.

This picture—seen in all measurements since the start of the war—aligns with public opinion responses, where 70% agree with sending frigates and F-16s to Cyprus, while also calling for Greece not to become involved in the conflict in the Persian Gulf.

PASOK shows an increase of more than one point (1.3) after months, returning and stabilizing in second place with 14% (from 12.7%) in vote estimation, as its rise coincides with a 2.6-point loss for Course of Freedom, which falls from 13.2% to 10.6%. In fact, Konstantopoulou’s party drops to fourth place, as Hellenic Solution records a smaller loss (-1.2%) and stands at 11.5%.

The MRB poll suggests an eight-party parliament, as Voice of Reason and Niki secure 3%. Undecided voters (including blank, invalid, and abstention) decrease by 3.6 points compared to the company’s January survey, though they remain around 20%.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis gains 1.4 points, reaching 24.6%. Nikos Androulakis also gains (0.6 points), but remains fourth in suitability for prime minister with a weak 5.1%. Despite her significant drop, Zoe Konstantopoulou remains second in suitability with 9.1%.

Androulakis’ decision to expel Odysseas Konstantinopoulos from PASOK’s parliamentary group is supported by one in five overall, while more than four in ten disagree. Among PASOK voters in the last European elections, 36.9% agree, 31.5% disagree, and 31.6% respond “don’t know/no answer.”

“Yes” to frigates and neutrality

There is broad, cross-party support for the government’s decision to send frigates and F-16s to Cyprus: 69.8% agree, while 67.7% support Patriot systems in Karpathos. Additionally, 51.6% say the government’s measures to cap company profits in fuel and food are in the right direction.

Regarding the stance the prime minister should take, 68.2% call for neutrality, 16.4% want criticism of Trump–Netanyahu actions, and only 10.4% support backing the U.S. and Israel.

The Metron Analysis poll

A significant polling rise for New Democracy, the prime minister, and the government is also recorded in the Metron Analysis poll presented on Mega’s main news bulletin, confirming findings from polls conducted after the outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf.

The ruling party gains 1.7 points in vote estimation, reaching 31.1% from 29.4% in February; positive opinions about the prime minister rise to 30% (from 28%), and positive evaluation of the government increases to 27% (from 24% in February).

PASOK is clearly second—with gains of nearly one point, reaching 13.6% in vote estimation—but the same does not apply to its leader, Nikos Androulakis, who continues to struggle: he remains stuck at 13% in his evaluation as opposition leader and stays fourth in suitability for prime minister with just 5% (unchanged from February), behind Kyriakos Mitsotakis (28%), Zoe Konstantopoulou (8%), and Kyriakkos Velopoulos (6%).

Only New Democracy, PASOK, and MeRA25 (from 3.3% to 4.6%) show gains in vote estimation in this poll. Course of Freedom loses 0.7 points, dropping to 10.5%; Greek Solution loses 2 points, reaching 8.9%; KKE stands at 8% (from 8.3%); SYRIZA drops 0.8 points to 4.6%, tying with MeRA25; Voice of Reason loses 0.2 points but remains at 4%; while the remaining parties stay well below the 3% threshold for entering parliament.

Pessimism index down four points

That the government’s actions so far have been perceived positively by a significant portion of public opinion is reflected in the “pessimism index,” which dropped by 4 points: now 31% (from 27% in February) say Greece is moving in the right direction, while 64% (from 68%) say it is moving in the wrong direction.

Notably, 72% say the attack against Iran is not justified, while only 24% consider it “justified.”