The decision by Mitsotakis, after months of “silence,” to pick up the phone and invite former Prime Ministers and New Democracy leaders, Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras, to the party’s Friday celebration in front of its historic headquarters on Rigillis Street, stirred internal waters within the party. This move signaled that, despite any differences, party unity is paramount. In a video promoting the event, the faces of past party leaders, including Karamanlis and Samaras, were prominently featured.

According to sources, if the two former leaders don’t attend, Mitsotakis will be able to argue that he extended the invitation. In other words, he “passed the ball” to the former prime ministers.

“Utter Silence”

Mitsotakis knew that Samaras, in particular, was strongly opposed, with a harder stance than Karamanlis, whose approach has always been different. Nonetheless, Mitsotakis aimed to move past these disagreements for the sake of party unity. However, both Karamanlis and Samaras responded with “we’ll see” to his invitation.

Regarding Kostas Karamanlis, it was noted that he hadn’t ruled out attending, though he had yet to make a final decision. Karamanlis, being the party’s longest-serving leader, and given his family’s long-standing ties with the party, is weighing his options carefully. Additionally, Karamanlis and Samaras often coordinate their moves, which may influence their final decision in this case.

Preparations

Meanwhile, preparations for the Friday street party are in full swing. The event will feature a commemorative video, followed by a speech from the Prime Minister. The party has mobilized members from all generations, and after the speech, a DJ will play music, and there will be food and drink stands for attendees.