Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the event for the AEGIS program presentation where he faced questions regarding the violent incident in parliament between MP for Eliniki Lysi (Greek Solution) and former Spartiates MP Konstantinos Floros. Also, questions were addressed regarding the exclusion of the Spartiates party from the European elections. The PM chose not to respond directly but, briefly referenced the government spokesperson’s comments on the matter as he left highlighting concerns about undermining democracy and brutality.
Mr. Mitsotakis refrained from commenting in that it deemed unnecessary. He opted for an institutional approach and distanced himself from the ongoing dispute. Despite this, on SKAI, the PM is expected to discuss the distressing scenes in Parliament. Nonetheless, he remains committed to New Democracy’s line positioning the party as a guarantor of political stability amid a critical time for Greece and Europe.
Crete: 57-year-old German tourist fell and was injured in gorge
Regarding the Spartiates issue, government officials assert that New Democracy fulfilled its duty by submitting a memorandum to the Supreme Court with a cohesive legal argument labeling the party as a “shell” entity, with the incarcerated Elias Kassidiaris as its true leader. They also noted favorable remarks from Spartiates party leader Vasilisis Stigas to SYRIZA which did not file a memorandum against party Spartiates, diverging from PASOK and Nea Aristera (New Left) which issued memorandums against the party accusing Mr. Kassellakis’s party fishing for votes in murky waters.
Unity above all
The exclusion of political party Spartiates could potentially attract votes from parties coming from the right of New Democracy. However, government officials are unconcerned about shifts within the right-wing political landscape. A government official for New Democracy stated to protothema.gr. that Kassidiaris’s supporters were highly unlikely to vote for ND. Recent polls indicate low support for the Spartiates, at 1.3%. It remains uncertain whether their residual voters will abstain or support other alternatives right wing parties for instance, Eliniki Lysi (Greek Solution), NIKE (Victory), or Foni Logikis (Voice of Reason).
New Democracy is focusing on strengthening its party base to prevent the loss of right-wing voters. The distressing scenes in Parliament may actually benefit New Democracy which maintains an institutional stance. Election mobilisation is underway, with Mitsotakis meeting MPs from various regions to address their concerns and engage in open discussions. Meanwhile, Nikos Dendias, leading the party’s campaign in Central Macedonia, will hold initial meetings in Thessaloniki with regional officials and the party’s leadership committee.
