The impression of softer tones towards former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who was expelled from New Democracy almost a year ago, was created by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ stance at the press conference during the Thessaloniki International Fair, which was interpreted as an opening towards the Messenian politician. After the Prime Minister’s response, statements by top government officials followed that reinforced the impression of seeking to bridge the gap between the government and the former Prime Minister, in an environment where the issue of return has not been raised by either side, while the scenario of Samaras founding a new political entity continues to loom.
What New Democracy MPs say about Mitsotakis’ opening to Antonis Samaras
Parapolitika reached out to New Democracy MPs regarding the impression that the government is seeking “bridges” with the former Prime Minister and whether approaching the former Prime Minister, or even a potential “return,” would be feasible.
“Antonis Samaras was a former leader of New Democracy and an extremely successful Prime Minister during a very difficult period for our country. He is a politician who has proven over time that he puts his ideas before political and personal ‘cost.’ On the other hand, New Democracy is a major political force that ’embraces’ Greek society across a very broad spectrum. This doctrine, after all, is what this political force has always advocated. This is why Greek citizens have repeatedly chosen New Democracy as the governing party. In this political force, which has always moved on the right side of national history, I believe everyone has a place, especially political personalities of Antonis Samaras’ stature,” stated Samos MP Christodoulos Stefanadis.
“I hope bridges will emerge and we can manage to go united into the 2027 elections. I believe in the ‘last attempt,’ although I acknowledge the distance that has emerged as a product of different approaches. Communication, honest dialogue, and good will have never produced negative results. They never harmed. I want to believe that, even at this moment, despite the harsh statements and Samaras’ expulsion, solutions for joint progress can emerge. The country’s needs and love for the political force must be placed above everything,” Piraeus B MP Dimitris Markopoulos tells Parapolitika.
For his part, Thessaloniki A MP Stratos Simopoulos noted: “I have been politically aligned with Antonis Samaras for almost thirty years. I don’t erase that. I treat him with respect. Also, for a year now I have refused any public statement on the issue of his expulsion. The issue you raise with your question is handled politically, but also on a personal level by him and the Prime Minister. It’s beyond me. I would be delighted by any attempt at his rapprochement with New Democracy.”
Former Deputy Minister and Magnesia MP Zetta Makri stated: “The great, stable, and consistently great political force of New Democracy contributes to the country with all its political personnel, with all its political forces, with all its political experience. It is the political force that accepts and utilizes officials who want and can help the collective effort. It is the political force chosen by politicians, beyond narrow party lines, for alignment in the good fight. It is the political force that prioritizes the country’s good and strengthens the common effort. It is the political force that, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as leader, dominates political life and serves the country. Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the guarantee that, with his solid leadership, the country is in good hands. And love for the country, I want and believe, will lead everyone, with no exceptions, to alignment. Everyone contributes to and is useful in the common effort! Especially our worthy and experienced officials.”
Former Deputy Minister and Thessaloniki B MP Theodoros Karaoglou emphasized: “My opinion is that the government and New Democracy as a whole needs all its forces active and alert. Especially those with historical trajectory and proven service to the political force and the country. I believe, therefore, that in the effort we’re making for the country’s reconstruction, no one is surplus. Additionally, I estimate that utilizing political capital with experience and prestige can work multiplicatively, both within the political force and in society.”
Imathia MP Tasos Bartzokas states: “I’ll answer you exactly as I feel, first as a citizen and then as an MP of the governing party. In these difficult times, the country needs a stable government, not only so that Greeks’ efforts in recent years and the great progress steps we achieved don’t go to waste, but also to continue this forward path for all Greeks’ prosperity. And I don’t think anyone today can dispute which political force can ensure this stable course. Faced with this national challenge, we should all set aside any disagreements and different approaches and go united, above all for the country’s good.”
On the same wavelength, Messenia MP Periklis Mantas emphasizes: “Antonis Samaras was one of the country’s top Prime Ministers and an important leader of our political force. His presence and voice always carry weight and can constitute a bridge of unity and strength for New Democracy. I personally believe that every step that strengthens the political force’s cohesion and unity, especially facing the great challenges ahead of us, is welcome.”
Pella MP Giorgos Karasmanis notes: “In a period of international uncertainty, instability, and upheavals, our country has managed to maintain a rare privilege: its political and economic stability. In this situation, therefore, no political figure can be absent from our common effort and common struggles. Experienced officials like Antonis Samaras, with long trajectory and substantial service to public affairs, who constitute great political capital for our political force and our country, must be in the front line. The responsibility of our political force, which led Greece on its European path and kept it standing in difficult times, is great. Only our political force, united and strong, can provide the solutions our country and its people need. New Democracy cannot be content to remain a major party. It must become the largest again, to continue serving and making a difference. And for this, none of its historic officials is surplus.”
Published in Parapolitika
