The new landscape in the ruling party of New Democracy is trying to be decoded by calm political observers, after PM Antonis Samaras’ surprsie move to designate Dimitris Avramopoulos as the country’s new representative in the European Commission. This leaves Mrs. Dora Bakoyannis “hanging”, who was allegedly pressuring the PM for the position.

The ones that gain in principle are the two main protagonists. Namely the Prime Minister and Mr. Avramopoulos. Mr. Samaras alleviates the pressure that could have been exercised on him in the event of a government “short-circuit”.

On his part, Mr. Avramopoulos seems to gain since he assumes a post that keeps him away from internal political decay and enhances his international prestige. It might move him out of the current political inner-workings of the ND party, but it seems to be a “useful exile” of sorts.

In any case, Mr. Avramopoulos seems ready to keep fighting for his party even though he will be based abroad, and he asserts that he will be handling his new position with efficiency, while he will try to cooperate with all political forces, the opposition included.