U.S. President Harry Truman used to say: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis used the same phrase at the close of last Thursday’s six-hour parliamentary group meeting of New Democracy (ND). In doing so, he wanted to send a message in every direction — to ministers and MPs alike — that everyone must speed up efforts to secure a third term for New Democracy through another electoral victory.

And rather than stopping with Truman’s quote, Mitsotakis also offered what sounded like a prophecy, almost like a “blue” Pythia oracle. When Dodecanese MP Vasilis Ypsilantis anxiously asked him whether elections would take place after the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Mitsotakis reportedly smirked slightly and replied cryptically: “After the TIF, elections!”

What exactly does this phrase mean? Without knowing the political background, perhaps nothing extraordinary — simply that summer will not be an election period. But the discussion is not taking place in neutral territory.

Last Monday, the “Dark Room” column revealed details of discussions held the previous weekend at the Maximos Mansion, where Mitsotakis met with close associates and ministers despite the May Day holiday. During those meetings, the possibility of holding elections on September 27 — the last Sunday of the month — was reportedly raised. Mitsotakis listened carefully and weighed the idea, though he did not adopt it. Nevertheless, the scenario spread quickly and became widely discussed among ND lawmakers.

This may also explain why the threatened “rebellion” within the parliamentary group never materialized.
“ND MPs are realists and have strong survival instincts. They do not create major problems by shooting themselves in the foot unless they feel the government has an expiration date — and they don’t feel that now,” a person close to the prime minister told Proto Thema.

Indeed, despite damage from scandals and political controversies, ND continues to poll far ahead of the second-place party, hovering around 30%.

Many also believe the leak about possible elections served another purpose: to create a sense of urgency within the party apparatus. Mitsotakis hinted at this again on Saturday during ND’s pre-congress event in Thessaloniki.

“Don’t wait for the election campaign period — we are starting the engines here in the heart of Macedonia for a strong Greece,” he said, signaling that party officials must increase the pace. In practical terms: if elections might come within four months, who would risk internal party conflict?

The Calculations and Decisions

Beyond political analysis, there are concrete facts: the discussion happened in front of Mitsotakis, he listened, and he did not reject it outright.

He has not officially embraced the proposal, and may never do so, but supporters of a September election argue that the idea is not unreasonable. According to this narrative, if the summer goes smoothly — with no devastating wildfires and a satisfactory tourism season despite geopolitical tensions — then a political opening could emerge in the autumn.

Under this strategy, the Thessaloniki International Fair would act both as a launchpad and a political test: the starting point of an election campaign and a message to voters that Mitsotakis’ proposals can only be implemented through a renewed ND government mandate.

According to reports, this year’s TIF will focus heavily on the economy and the market — specifically targeting freelancers, business owners, and the broader middle class.

Pollster Thomas Gerakis, CEO of MARC, noted last Friday on Direct by protothema.gr that ND must reconnect with three main voter groups:

• freelancers and the middle class,
• farmers,
• and young people.

Mitsotakis would have a strong argument in such a campaign: previous TIF promises were legislated and implemented, meaning this new package — expected to be substantial — would also become reality if ND is re-elected.

Why Autumn Elections Appeal to Some

The autumn-election scenario is supported by several additional arguments.

First, the economic consequences of the war may not yet be fully visible, despite gradually rising inflation.

Second, because a second round of elections might be needed under Greece’s electoral system, an autumn schedule would leave ample time before Greece assumes the Presidency of the European Union on July 1, 2027.

Still, Mitsotakis has not fundamentally shifted from his broader plan to hold elections in spring 2027. However, he wants to keep all options open and carefully measured.

Many believe that if no major crises erupt, he will likely complete the full term despite the risks involved — especially the cumulative political wear and tear that comes with time in office.

The Congress and the Party Secretary

For ND, election readiness means organizational mobilization, and a major milestone will be the party congress opening Friday, May 15, at Metropolitan Expo.

The three-day event, concluding Sunday with the election of the new Political Committee, is expected to feature speeches from senior party officials and MPs containing criticism, proposals, and strategic positioning ahead of a potential election campaign.

However, since the recent parliamentary group meeting passed relatively smoothly, many believe the congress will also avoid becoming a “minefield.” The party apparatus remains under control.

Even the much-discussed internal contest over nomination “coupons” for the Political Committee appears calm. Reports also suggest that former secretary-general Grigoris Dimitriadis — who still maintains influence within the party machine — remains in close contact with the prime minister’s office and “will not create problems,” continuing to support the party leadership.

The only notable absence will likely be former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Although he formally received an invitation extended to all former party leaders, he reportedly does not intend to attend, reinforcing perceptions of his emotional and political distance from the current leadership.

Karamanlis has increasingly been viewed as politically aligned with former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is rumored to be accelerating plans to launch a new political party closer to election time.

Choosing a New Party Secretary

One key issue for Mitsotakis is filling the strategically important position of party secretary ahead of any election campaign.

According to reports, he has concluded that the role should go to a sitting MP with a long history inside the party. Coming from an electoral district with relatively “safe” re-election prospects would also help, though it is not considered essential.

A shortlist reportedly includes figures such as:

• Deputy Interior Minister Vasilis Spanakis,
• and Giorgos Stylios.

Mitsotakis is expected to choose between them, though the decision may not necessarily be announced during the congress itself, since the Political Committee will convene later after its election.

Whoever becomes the new secretary will immediately face a demanding task: hit the ground running, travel across the country, and prepare the organizational machinery for the TIF — traditionally a crucial rallying point for New Democracy’s electoral apparatus.