Before the new parliamentary session had even properly begun, the first clash between the government and SYRIZA was already underway. The opposition party’s decision to nominate state MP Elena Akrita for the position of 5th Vice-Speaker of the Greek Parliament triggered an immediate backlash from the ruling party. Shortly after SYRIZA’s announcement, sources close to New Democracy made it clear they would not be backing the nomination, citing past conflicts between Akrita and New Democracy ministers and MPs.
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Elena Akrita: The historical precedent
Since SYRIZA’s nomination does not have New Democracy’s backing, the candidacy is effectively hanging in the air. If the number of abstentions in the upcoming vote — expected to take place next week — exceeds the votes in favor, the nominated candidate is rejected and the position remains vacant. A similar situation occurred after the second elections of 2023, when Michalis Chourdakis, then an MP for Thessaloniki who had been elected under the Plefsi Eleftherias party, failed to secure the position after receiving only 95 votes. According to parliamentary sources, if SYRIZA does not change its nomination before the vote is held and the candidate is rejected, the party will not have the right to put forward any other MP as an alternative candidate.
SYRIZA fires back
As of now, there are no signs of a change in direction from SYRIZA’s headquarters. In an official statement, the party launched a sharp attack against New Democracy, saying that its rival was “ultimately confessing its contempt for democratic principles,” and emphasizing that New Democracy refuses to accept criticism and dissent. In a pointed remark, the statement added: “As far as the government is concerned, there is no room in parliament or in public discourse for MPs with integrity and consistency in their role.”
Referencing the collapse of the national health system, the financial hardship facing thousands of households due to rising costs, and the scandals that have marked the New Democracy government, the statement concluded: “Yet another reason for this government to take its final bow — a government defined by its allergy to criticism and democracy, by its anti-institutional stance, its rot, and its corruption. Once again, thank you for revealing your true face…”
Akrita responds
Elena Akrita herself also responded to the controversy, posting on her Facebook account that she felt “vindicated by this distinction.” In a cutting remark directed at the ruling party, she wrote: “In Mitsotakis’ parliament, we are expected to bow and scrape rather than hold the government to account,” referring to New Democracy’s rejection of her candidacy for the position of 5th Vice-Speaker of Parliament.
