Just hours before the congress of New Democracy, ten former ministers, MPs, and officials associated with the party’s so-called “Karamanlis faction” published a joint letter containing clear criticism of the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, arguing that the party has drifted away from its historical and ideological roots.
The signatories criticized the government’s “executive state” model, accusing it of excessive centralization of power, control over institutions and media, lack of transparency in the management of European funds, deterioration of the rule of law, and failure to address inflation, demographic decline, and migration. At the same time, their reference to the need for a “new patriotic, democratic, and social political expression” has been interpreted by political and media circles as an indirect indication of a potential new political party.
Antonis Samaras was expelled from New Democracy in 2024 after harsh criticism of Mitsotakis over Greek-Turkish relations and migration policy.
Speculation has intensified due to reports of increased political activity surrounding Samaras, who is reportedly facing pressure to take a more active political role, as well as the frequent contacts of Kostas Karamanlis with figures from the traditional center-right. Media reports also refer to an “open line of communication” between the two former prime ministers, although there has been no official confirmation regarding the formation of a new party.
It is noted that Samaras was expelled from New Democracy in November 2024 following a public clash with Mitsotakis over Greek-Turkish relations, the Prespa Agreement, and migration policy, accusing the government of pursuing a policy of “appeasement” and abandoning the party’s “patriotic” identity.
Sources: Το Vima, SKAI
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