The politically full and interesting interview given yesterday evening by Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the show “Enopios Enopio” on ANT1 contained several political revelations.

Among them was the prime minister’s clarity regarding his intention to go to elections in the spring of 2027, although he admitted that he had received recommendations for the autumn and appeared highly concerned about the quality of political discourse and the complete inability to reach consensus even on constitutional revision. On the other hand, and in view of the prospect of a new party from former prime minister Antonis Samaras, Mr. Mitsotakis also outlined how New Democracy would deal with him if these thoughts were to materialize.

Starting with Mr. Samaras, who is in reality the main pending issue for the reconfiguration of the political system, Mr. Mitsotakis acknowledged the positive aspects of his premiership, given that he himself served as a minister in his government. However, subsequently, and with wording that recalled Mr. Samaras’ past and the events of 1993, he indicated possibly the way in which New Democracy would confront him politically if he were to act on his warnings.

“I cannot imagine that he would do something that would damage the faction that gave him a second chance and made him prime minister,” Mr. Mitsotakis said meaningfully. He appeared rather aware that the rift that has opened cannot be bridged, if Mr. Samaras believes what he is saying, and added in the same tone: “I hope that reason will prevail and that he will realize that it is also bad for his legacy to damage the faction.” It remains to be seen whether Mr. Samaras will pick up the gauntlet thrown to him by Mr. Mitsotakis. In any case, the scenario of “reconciliation” seems more like science fiction, despite occasional appeals by New Democracy officials.

Regarding the other former prime minister Kostas Karamanlis, who expresses criticism in milder tones but is in essence at a complete distance from the Maximos Mansion, Mr. Mitsotakis appeared rather conciliatory, acknowledging that there cannot be agreement on everything. “From my side, however, the relationship will always be dignified and functional,” he stressed.

The strategy of a single ballot box

Given these data, Mr. Mitsotakis strongly insisted on the need for an autonomous government, rejecting scenarios of second and third elections, in what has been described as the “strategy of a single ballot box.” Describing an environment of political fragmentation, where it is difficult for parties to even agree on basic matters, Mr. Mitsotakis sought from now on to dispel the logic of a relaxed vote or the idea that after second elections New Democracy might receive a mandate to govern, but earlier citizens may have sent a message of protest.

“On the Monday after the elections the country must have a government, but the ultimate judge is the Greek people,” Mr. Mitsotakis said, while also cutting off scenarios of changing the party leader mid-course, if there is a possibility of a governing coalition but on the condition that he would not be prime minister. “Citizens do not only elect a government, they also choose a prime minister,” Mr. Mitsotakis said, effectively linking the vote for New Democracy with a vote of confidence in himself to continue for a third term at the helm of the country. He clarified, however, that there will be no fourth term, as he can imagine life outside politics.

“I have the experience, the willingness and the knowledge, and some international standing, to be the right person — the Greek people will judge it — to lead an effort for the country to make another big leap forward and to ensure that we do not go backwards again,” Mr. Mitsotakis said, addressing citizens and emphasizing what is considered his strongest card so far, namely suitability for the premiership in an environment of multiple crises. In this context, Mr. Mitsotakis will also wait for results from the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) package, which he alluded to but did not fully specify in terms of fiscal capacity. He did, however, rule out the scenario of reinstating the 13th salary, with government officials having repeatedly pointed out that the focus of the announcements will be, among other things, self-employed professionals and the market.