The chronicle of a pre-announced divorce concluded on Saturday afternoon with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s decision to expel his predecessor, Antonis Samaras, from New Democracy. This followed an unprecedented personal attack Samaras launched against the Prime Minister and other government officials during an interview.

Although the claims used by the former Prime Minister to differentiate himself from the government’s positions on foreign policy—specifically on Greek-Turkish issues—were voiced for the first time, the tone and sharpness of Samaras’s words left the Maximos Mansion with no choice but to depart from its usual practice of not commenting on the views of former Prime Ministers.

As soon as the contents of Samaras’s interview with the Sunday edition of To Vima became known, alarms were raised in the Prime Minister’s office. During an emergency meeting convened immediately, Mitsotakis’s advisors unanimously agreed that the escalation of Samaras’s aggressive strategy could not go unanswered.

It was unanimously decided that his expulsion, both from the parliamentary group—announced immediately—and from the party—scheduled to be finalized on Monday during a meeting of the Ethics Committee—was imperative. Any tolerance of the offensive language in the interview or delays in the government leadership’s response would send the wrong message to society and undermine governmental stability.

Furthermore, as sources from Maximos Mansion conveyed, the feedback from New Democracy officials—after Samaras’s controversial remarks started circulating online—was clear: “Do not tolerate him any longer.”

“Scenarios of science fiction about alleged treason”

In more detail, Maximos Mansion officials identified the following six reasons why Samaras’s expulsion from the governing party became inevitable:

First: “Mr. Samaras persisted in the offensive distortion of Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis’s statements regarding alleged ‘treason,’ employing the ‘cut-and-paste’ methods that the government has repeatedly condemned.

As early as October 7, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis clarified the true meaning of the minister’s remarks during a press briefing. He reiterated the minister’s actual phrasing, which was entirely different: ‘If doing good for my country and achieving its goals without even the slightest harm to it, while others might label me a traitor, then let me be called that.’

This had nothing to do with ‘treason.’ Nevertheless, Mr. Samaras embraced the insidious misinterpretations from certain circles. Provocatively, he even called on the Prime Minister to ‘send home anyone who declares that, for the sake of friendship and calm with Turkey, they might be labeled traitors.’

The government has consistently defended national sovereign rights through its actions. It does not take lessons in patriotism from anyone. As for the accusations of ‘treason,’ they are nothing but science fiction—ideas that even opposition MPs no longer dare to voice.”

“Personal fanaticism becomes national myopia”

Second: “Mr. Samaras also attacked the Prime Minister in an inappropriate manner and insulted Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, claiming that the two leaders were supposedly ‘fraternizing’ with Turkish President Erdogan and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. In reality, this referred to a ten-minute conversation on the sidelines of the Budapest Summit.

Does Mr. Samaras consider it ‘fraternizing’ that, for the first time in 50 years since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, a Turkish President held discussions with the official President of the Republic of Cyprus? A state, moreover, that Turkey ostensibly does not recognize? Personal fanaticism can sometimes lead to national myopia.”

“Why did he meet Erdogan four times?”

Third: “Mr. Samaras criticized the government and the Prime Minister for engaging in dialogue with Turkey. Yet, during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014, he met Erdogan four times. Furthermore, six rounds of exploratory talks with Ankara occurred under his administration.

This happened despite Turkey’s promotion of its ahistorical and illegal claims, its raising of ‘grey zones,’ its maintenance of an occupation army in Cyprus, its threat of casus belli against Greece, and its daily violations of our national airspace. And yet, Mr. Samaras met Erdogan…”

“Why did he involve Karamanlis?”

Fourth: “Mr. Samaras, in his untimely insistence on discussing the presidential election, dragged former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis into the matter. However, sources close to Karamanlis stated, ‘There was no prior consultation.’

The decision on the presidency will be announced exclusively by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the appropriate time, preserving both the institution’s integrity and the individual’s reputation.”

“History repeats itself only as farce”

Fifth: “Mr. Samaras expressed complete disagreement with the government’s overall policy, adopting extreme falsehoods and distortions. Both the content of his positions and the manner in which he presented them are outside the framework of government policy, which has popular approval. They are also outside the institutional responsibility expected of a former Prime Minister and political leader. Therefore, it is self-evident that he is being excluded from New Democracy for a second time.

Those envisioning a diminished New Democracy, reduced to 18%, should recall that under Mitsotakis’s strategy, the party has won three national elections with approximately 40% of the vote. Those wishing for a government captive to interests and internal factions should abandon the thought. History does not repeat itself. When attempts are made, it becomes a farce.”

“The government majority continues without Mr. Samaras”

Sixth: “The Mitsotakis government is the one that has strengthened our country on defense, diplomatic, geostrategic, and economic levels. It is the government that enhanced our defensive capabilities as never before, acquiring Rafale fighter jets, Belharra frigates, and placing orders for F-35s. It fortified our borders in Evros and the islands, signed EEZ agreements with Egypt and Italy, extended territorial waters to 12 miles in the Ionian Sea, and strengthened Greece with strategic defense alliances, such as those with France and the United States.

The government majority continues steadily to implement its program without Mr. Samaras. For better wages and pensions. For an upgraded national health system. For a digital government serving citizens. No one has the right to jeopardize the country’s stability in these turbulent times.”