Greece’s Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis sent a clear message against scenarios of snap elections during a Friday morning appearance on SKAI television. He defended the government’s record, commented on discussions surrounding the possible formation of a new party by Antonis Samaras, and addressed recent polling data — expressing confidence that New Democracy can secure a third consecutive term in government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“If you sit still, you’re accused of being inactive and people question why they voted for you. If you take measures that come with a political cost, you’re called heartless and unacceptable. If you do something positive — like the new Kerameus regulation on survivor pensions — you’re accused of being in campaign mode. We’re not playing games,” Hatzidakis said. He went on to note that with only a few months until the elections, it is natural for all parties to ramp up their activity, and that political momentum will only increase as election day approaches.
Hatzidakis: “No matter who forms a new party, New Democracy’s voters will stay with the party”
The Deputy Prime Minister also weighed in on Antonis Samaras’ recent meeting with New Democracy MPs. “Personal relationships will always exist, but we must distinguish personal ties from each person’s political direction. The MPs made their position clear with a straightforward statement declaring their support for the unity of the party,” he noted.
On the polls
Hatzidakis also addressed the latest opinion polls and coalition scenarios, outlining what he described as the three key reasons why citizens should trust New Democracy once again.
“We delivered on what we promised. In the choice between Mitsotakis or Tsipras or Androulakis, Mitsotakis comes out ahead. He is more capable, commands international respect, and is more effective,” he said. He added that once New Democracy’s new agenda is unveiled, voters will weigh their options and vote accordingly. As Hatzidakis explained, “we don’t make promises we can’t keep,” stressing that “we will push every available margin” without putting economic stability at risk.
“When the perpetrators are far-left, some people look for excuses”
The Deputy Prime Minister also delivered a sharp commentary on the terrorist attack in Thessaloniki that claimed a woman’s life. He argued that in any European democracy, such a criminal act would be condemned without reservation, regardless of the perpetrators’ ideological background. However, he noted that when the perpetrators come from the far-left, conspiracy theories about provocation and political exploitation tend to emerge. He directly accused certain left-wing parties of responding provocatively to the attack, arguing that they are simply unable to offer an unequivocal condemnation of such criminal acts.
