Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis addressed yesterday’s statements by Adonis Georgiadis during the New Democracy parliamentary group meeting, where the Health Minister made pointed remarks against Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. Speaking on Parapolitika 90.1’s “Apenanti Mikrofona” show with Sotiris Xenakis and Vasilis Skouris, Marinakis also discussed upcoming elections, recent polls, Alexis Tsipras’ party, and Kostas Karamanlis’ potential absence from the New Democracy congress.
Marinakis on Parapolitika 90.1 about Mitsotakis’ “sweating the jersey” phrase
Regarding the phrase “Why doesn’t everyone sweat the jersey,” used by both Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, Pavlos Marinakis commented: “The Prime Minister’s phrase was not negative in nature. He stated the obvious – that to win a battle, you must sweat the jersey. Often, responses need to be clearer. It was something that needed to be said by the Prime Minister.”
He continued: “We experienced periods when attempts were made to misinform public opinion (e.g., Tempe). The situation wasn’t easy then, but with absolute respect, we had to counter various theories. Some stepped forward more than others then. I don’t want to say that some ‘hid.’ When you’re part of a team, a government, you obviously must step forward and explain. When the government needs a collective response, that’s good too. Society shapes the agenda.”
How he commented on Georgiadis’ “barbs” against Dendias at the New Democracy parliamentary group meeting
When asked by journalists if he believes Nikos Dendias was targeted, Pavlos Marinakis clarified: “There is absolutely no problem. Nikos Dendias is one of the key contributors. Greece has achieved much at the defense and foreign policy level. This discussion is wrong to focus on one minister or person.” He added: “I won’t interpret the Health Minister, but since I communicate with him, I think the conversation broadly concerns how much we should step forward.”
Regarding whether Adonis Georgiadis has an obsession with Nikos Dendias, he said: “There isn’t one. When we stray from the discussion that interests the people listening to us, it only does harm. Unprecedented geopolitical circumstances, concern about how daily life will be affected. The government has achieved much. Tremendous successes and many problems to address. The goal is to stay focused on that. All other discussions are irrelevant.”
On upcoming elections
Regarding upcoming elections, he said: “I stick to what the Prime Minister said. Elections in 2027. Beyond that… When we enter the final year… much is heard. It’s not a matter of reservation. Every month we’ll read that elections are happening.”
On New Democracy’s low polling numbers
Regarding New Democracy’s polling numbers, which show decline after the OPEKEPE and wiretapping scandals, the government spokesperson said: “Intention matters greatly. These are paper exercises, so they must be taken at 100%. In 2023, shortly before the final stretch of elections, we entered the race with roughly these starting percentages. I’m not saying the same will happen. However, I believe, looking at polling results and the reality that:
1. Success relates to our effectiveness
2. What we’ll say about the next 4-year term
The major comparative advantage of Mitsotakis and New Democracy is that what we say has a beginning, middle, and end, with the Economy as the most important issue. We don’t just say what we’ll give, we explain how we give it. We create the conditions. This is politics with beginning, middle, and end. You govern with a program, while from the other side we hear only toxicity etc. I remain cautiously optimistic.”
On Tsipras’ party
Regarding Alexis Tsipras’ party, he said: “We don’t underestimate that a former Prime Minister is returning. This constitutes a political fact. New Democracy must address society as a whole. Tsipras plays on a different field, unfortunately the most popular of post-transition Greece (demagogy, intense confrontation). This development won’t change our targeting. It certainly changes the data.”
He added that an “Assessment for second party would be hasty. Tsipras’ advantage over Androulakis is that the former is a more authentic representative. Disadvantage is that he’s been tested. We’ve seen him and he has his value. Voters will decide.”
On Karamanlis’ presence at the New Democracy congress
Finally, regarding Kostas Karamanlis’ absence from the New Democracy congress, Pavlos Marinakis said: “There’s still no decision. Invitations began the day before yesterday. Roussopoulos has a personal relationship, will visit him, will invite him. It’s Karamanlis’ decision what he’ll do. Obviously he’s a living part of the faction, will never fade. Obviously we want him there. Each of us goes to the congress for the faction and its history. It’s his personal decision.”
Concluding, he added: “I think New Democracy’s course and the next elections will depend on how much New Democracy answers the most burning questions of society as a whole. Everything has its value, but people will vote based on what each party says.”
