Kyriakos Mitsotakis: European elections strategy and the “shift” to the right with Beleris’ candidacy

ND: Coaching candidates for the upcoming European elections

Kyriakos Mitsotakis will leave for Brussels today to attend the EU Summit, while back home in Greece the country is gearing up for the upcoming European elections. The PM has stressed that the result must send the message for political stability.

Fredi Beleris’ candidacy has caused quite a stir within the party. This has been one of the few times the government has set the stage with public discourse  around the imprisoned Mayor of Chameria, Beleiri’s candidacy resonances with right-wing voters where talks have his candidacy in the top  blue rankings.

Released yesterday to protothema.gr, the choice for Fredi Beleris is both symbolic and substantive. The symbolism lies within the message that is being sent by the Greek side to Albania. Specifically to the Rama government, as it is not ruled out that Mr. Beleris will remain in prison for the next few months as an elected MEP. The substantive aspect of  his candidacy has to do with the response to concerns of many within the blue camp, that is, whether New Democracy is shifting solely towards the center . With few centrist and “Pasok-origin” candidacies Mr. Beleris’ candidacy highlights the  “backbone” of the party.

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New Democracy  is in full swing for the European elections following the announcement of its ballot. Candidates, MEPs were summoned to ND’s offices. Present were government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, ND’s Press Office spokesperson Nikos Romanos, communication consultants Thomas Varvitsiotis and Eric Parks, ND Press Office deputy director Christos Zografos, Kyra Kapi, director of communications at the Maximos Mansion, Thanasis Nezis, Yiannis Smyrlis, and others.

According to sources the line is for positive communicative interaction. There was also an overview of Mr. Mitsotakis’ agenda as well as visits that will be on-going  by delegations with ministers and MPs across Greece. Candidate were asked to refrain from “controversial issues,” while the risk of personal attacks was further highlighted. TV presenter Eleonora Meleti has currently  received vulgar comments but also messages of support.