The absence of Kostas Karamanlis from the event marking 52 years since the founding of New Democracy sparked considerable discussion within the ruling party. On this occasion, eight MPs from the center-right faction shared their views through Kyriakatiki Apogeumatini.
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Eight New Democracy MPs comment on Karamanlis’ absence from the party’s anniversary celebration
“The former prime minister has long maintained a discreet presence in political life, intervening when he sees fit, without participating in party events. His absence from the party’s anniversary celebrations was therefore expected and clearly unrelated to any current affairs,” commented MP for Thessaloniki B’, Dimitris Vartzopulos.
“New Democracy is its people. What matters is that the people show up — at events and at the ballot box. That has always been the case, despite the many leadership changes. Everyone makes their own decisions,” said MP for the Southern Sector, Sofia Voultepsi.
“New Democracy has completed 52 years of a journey that is inextricably linked to the post-junta democratic era and the country’s European path. Along this journey, Kostas Karamanlis holds a special place of his own, as a former party leader and former prime minister. He represents a significant chapter in the history of New Democracy and of Greece, and his contribution is undeniable. Over 52 years, the party has proven that it respects its history, honours those who served it, and at the same time looks ahead. What matters today is that we safeguard party unity and rise to the responsibility our citizens have entrusted us with. Anniversaries are opportunities to remember what unites us. New Democracy has proven over 52 years that it can evolve, reconcile differing views, and at the same time remain united around its principles and values. The party’s history does not divide. It unites,” argued MP for the Southern Sector, Giannis Kallianos.
MP for Thessaloniki A’, Dimitris Kouvelas, said that “New Democracy celebrated its 52nd anniversary with great distinction! The history of the most influential political movement in the country is not measured only by the prominent figures who served it and left their mark, but is shaped primarily by the critical political choices of responsibility and progress that elevated Greece to one of the most significant democracies in Europe and kept it standing through difficult times. As a government, it dares to push through reforms without calculating the political cost, putting Greek citizens above narrow partisan interests. Kostas Karamanlis is, in some way, always present. His journey and contribution are part of New Democracy’s DNA — and that will never change.”
“Kostas Karamanlis holds a unique and important place in the history of New Democracy. His contribution is established and has been recognized. His absence from this particular event is a personal — and not necessarily pleasant — choice, which we naturally respect. However, it should not overshadow the true meaning of that day: 52 years of a movement that remains large, broad-based, and vibrant, because it has always been built on its people,” noted MP for Kavala, Makarios Lazaridis. He continued: “That is precisely why the party honours above all the unsung New Democracy members — men and women — who have held the banner high all these years, in good times and bad. Different views and different choices are part of our history. But what unites us is far greater than anything that could divide us.”
“The unity of New Democracy is a shared goal for all of us. The party carries a heavy legacy of service to this country. We are a democratic movement and we naturally cover a broad ideological spectrum — from the constitutional right, the center-right and the center, to the fringes of the center-left. This has created a broad social majority that led to outright electoral victories in 2019 and 2023. All party leaders have required the support of everyone during their tenure — and we, the current MPs, ask the same of them. There will be differing views on some issues. But we are clearly united by a common sense of responsibility and commitment to public service,” said parliamentary spokesperson Notis Mitarakis.
“A former prime minister and party leader’s absence from a party event is a personal choice that deserves to be respected, without hasty or careless interpretations. He has his own historical journey, his own contribution, and his own distinct place within New Democracy. He is a unique part of the party’s history and of the great achievements our party accomplished in the past. The celebration in Gazi, however, carried a deeper symbolism: it was dedicated to New Democracy’s own people. To the ordinary New Democracy member who doesn’t only show up for anniversaries, but is on the front line every single day. To the New Democracy woman who keeps the torch burning in difficult times and serves the party without asking for anything in return. New Democracy has always known how to honour its leaders — but it will belong exclusively to the rank-and-file members who keep it standing and fight for it every day,” argued MP for Ilia, Andreas Nikolakopoulos.
“I don’t know the reasons for his absence. What I do know is his history and his journey within New Democracy. He fought alongside all of us in the great, electorally victorious battles of 2004 and 2007. And let us not forget that in 2009, during a particularly difficult period for the country, he chose to speak openly to the Greek people about the state of the economy and the tough measures he considered necessary — in stark contrast to PASOK’s ‘there’s plenty of money’ rhetoric. He has proven in practice his relationship with New Democracy. Beyond that, it would not be right for me to interpret an absence whose reasons I don’t know,” noted MP for the Western Sector, Maria Syreggela.
Originally published in the newspaper Kyriakatiki Apogeumatini
