Although the political landscape is broadly in a phase of reconfiguration, Kyriakos Mitsotakis appears unaffected and committed to the strategy he outlined at the New Democracy conference, aiming to follow it all the way to the elections.

The prime minister insists, and will continue to insist in the coming months, on delivered projects—resolving demands and pending issues from years or even decades ago that are now becoming reality. A characteristic example is the new Sparta Hospital, which he visited recently. The existing hospital dates back to 1939, and a new building is being constructed next to it, expected to be delivered in 2027, while the old one will become a green space.

The Sparta case is not unique. Given that the Recovery Fund ends at the end of August, Mitsotakis aims to complete as many projects as possible in as many regions as possible.

With the constant slogan “We said it, we did it,” Mitsotakis frequently refers back to his 2023 promises, emphasizing that New Democracy has largely fulfilled them.

Consistency between words and actions has a dual significance for him: beyond delivering on commitments, it also serves as a guarantee of credibility for the program he will present ahead of the 2027 elections, aiming for a third term. At the same time, he understands the importance of local projects that may not matter much nationally but make a difference locally.

For this reason, in the coming period he plans to attend the inauguration of the entire E65 motorway or the extension of the metro to Kalamaria.

He will also highlight other positive reforms, such as the major overhaul of the National Cadastre, on which he is expected to speak at a major event after the Holy Spirit holiday.

Focus groups

The strategic choice of the Maximos Mansion and the prime minister himself not to comment on opposition developments and to avoid harsh confrontation is not instinctive; it is based on data. Focus group analysis shows that citizens, both nationally and locally, are more concerned with the agenda of everyday life.

Based on this, the prime minister focuses his agenda on issues citizens face daily. This does not mean the government ignores key issues such as institutional challenges and parliamentary battles.

For the wiretapping case, Makis Voridis was used as “heavy artillery” to reject PASOK’s proposal for a new investigative committee, while the government is also preparing—based on reports—for the possibility that Nikos Androulakis may submit a new motion of no confidence.

Stability dilemmas

Even though Mitsotakis seeks to remain outside opposition confrontation as much as possible and New Democracy avoids commenting extensively on new parties, he is gradually placing stronger dilemmas of governability.

His intention to hold elections in spring 2027 appears final, although some skeptics still believe there is a possible autumn window.

However, Mitsotakis understands that citizens do not vote unless they see promises implemented. This year’s Thessaloniki International Fair will focus more on professionals and entrepreneurs, while from June a payment schedule begins for a €500 million package.

The first step will be a €150 child support payment at the end of June, followed by housing subsidies and increased pensioner benefits in November, while pre-election benefits traditionally become visible after the December budget.

The next cabinet meeting on Tuesday will also include positive measures, such as including healthcare workers in heavy and hazardous occupations.

The dilemma of the “three-digit number”

Mitsotakis also raised the dilemma—successfully, according to reactions—about who would answer the prime ministerial emergency number at 03:00 if needed. Rejecting the “Mitsotakis or chaos” framing as false, he instead personalized the choice: “Mitsotakis or Androulakis, Tsipras, Konstantopoulou, or anyone else.”

In other words, he will increasingly present himself as the main option against all others, given his large lead in suitability for the premiership.

It is also considered likely that Alexis Tsipras has a comparative advantage over Nikos Androulakis in the battle for second place, something the Maximos Mansion may indirectly prefer, given its past electoral success against Tsipras in 2019 and 2023.

The government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said that “the new Tsipras party is SYRIZA with a new tax ID number,” while the Maximos Mansion has recently been responding to some of Tsipras’ arguments.

Karystianou party

Regarding the new party of Maria Karystianou, government reactions were cautious. Privately, New Democracy figures believe it combines heterogeneous elements ranging from the Niki party, anti-vaccination movements, the “Indignados,” and nationalist currents, while a minister described its founding declaration as an “essay without substantiation.”

At the same time, Marinakis indirectly referred to the failure of movements emerging from the “upper or lower squares,” implicitly referencing its base.

The party remains largely uncharted territory, with some believing it could attract anti-system voters, including some former New Democracy voters from 2023 who are now undecided, particularly in northern Greece.

Samaras and internal politics

Alongside Karystianou and Tsipras, more discussion within New Democracy concerned the possibility of Antonis Samaras forming a party. His harsh criticism of Mitsotakis confirmed the deep rift.

Despite calls for reconciliation, Samaras appears to have ruled out any return.

Inside New Democracy, Mitsotakis maintains full control. The recent party congress showed the internal balance of power, although several figures are positioning themselves for the future, including Nikos Dendias, Kostis Hatzidakis, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Adonis Georgiadis, and Vassilis Kikilias.

All remain aligned with Mitsotakis for now, as the party enters a state of electoral readiness.

After the Holy Spirit holiday, the Political Committee will elect a new party secretary, with Mitsotakis still undecided. Options include MP Giorgos Stylios or even retaining interim secretary Stelios Kontadakis.

Gradually, a more careful electoral plan will unfold, while Mitsotakis will increasingly appear on the road presenting new projects.