Alexia Evert, daughter of former New Democracy party leader Miltiadis Evert, fires sharp criticism at former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in an exclusive interview with Parapolitika, arguing that he must rise to the occasion. At the same time, commenting on Kostas Karamanlis‘s distancing from the former Prime Minister, she argues that this “confirms his unwavering commitment to New Democracy” and shows that he “remains devoted to the party he served and led.”
How do you view former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis’s distancing from New Democracy, as well as his criticism on national issues?
Kostas Karamanlis’s unequivocal statement, made just days ago, that he would under no circumstances support any other political venture or new party — while simultaneously distancing himself from any potential moves by Antonis Samaras — confirms his steadfast commitment to New Democracy. He said characteristically: “Under no circumstances will I support Mr. Samaras’s party. Neither my own history nor that of my family would allow it.” Through this stance, Karamanlis made it clear that he remains devoted to the party he served and led, putting an end to all other speculation. I always considered this self-evident, but in our country, as they say, there is often a great deal of smoke without fire. We deserve an Oscar for best political fiction screenplay, given all the hypothetical scenarios that have seen the light of day! Beyond that, it has always been my belief — and continues to be — that the resolution of such serious matters as our national foreign policy, particularly toward Turkey, especially between leaders who move within the same political space, should always take place behind closed doors. Otherwise, it naturally and justifiably invites every kind of misinterpretation from every Greek citizen — and, moreover, gives the Turks reason to celebrate.
How do you view Samaras’s party? Do you think it will damage New Democracy?
Of course it will cause damage — even if it gets just 1%. It is already repeatedly abusing New Democracy, without even having officially announced the formation of a party. I am among the last of the Mohicans who still hold out a quiet hope that he will not go ahead and found a new party. It simply doesn’t “become” him. He must rise to the occasion and meet the demands of the moment. As I have said in a previous interview, to err three times is not the mark of a wise man. He sent New Democracy into opposition twice — and the second time, his own party, Political Spring, didn’t even make it into Parliament. This is the most inappropriate moment to push the country’s governance into new, unnecessary, and dangerous waters.
In recent years, there has been a proliferation of parties to the right of New Democracy. What do you think accounts for this?
The parties further to the right of New Democracy put forward as their main argument what they see as the inadequate management of the migration issue, the state’s tolerance and favoritism toward the Roma community (whether we like it or not, this is mandated by international law), and the rise in lawlessness and crime. And they strike a chord — let’s not kid ourselves. We are all concerned. Now, when they claim to be more patriotic than us, I hear that as utter nonsense. I believe these are the core reasons they become “attractive,” because in every other respect they have not presented any actual program. How will they govern? How will they keep the country afloat, especially in such difficult international circumstances? What “tools” will they use to represent the Greek people in Parliament and Greece abroad? How will they tackle the cost of living, inflation, and of course migration — an issue on which the current government has taken enormous strides?
Is an outright parliamentary majority a realistic goal for New Democracy?
Dum spiro, spero — while I breathe, I hope. If citizens vote with maturity, rationality, and with the necessary stability of our country as their guide; if they set aside the many “café arguments”; if they seriously compare party programs and are not swept away by hot air; if they remember the recent past, the empty promises and the incompetence of others — then yes, I believe there will be an outright majority. These are not times for political experimentation. And, like it or not, the Prime Minister has delivered on everything he announced during the previous two pre-election periods, despite the international headwinds. And if I may speak about New Democracy’s parliamentary candidates, the most capable and experienced ones are light years ahead of the competition. We won’t need a magnifying glass to decide who to vote for.
How likely are we to see you as a candidate on the central political stage with New Democracy?
Honestly — and believe me — this is a question I am unable to answer. The variables currently on the scale all carry the mathematical unknown X as their denominator. As a true child of my father, but also of my mother — whose remarkable work few know about, since she chose to walk her path quietly, away from the spotlight — I will say that the only thing I know for certain is that deep in my DNA lies a strong desire and will to contribute constructively to social and political life, but only where I feel there is real scope to produce results and meet the expectations of my fellow citizens.
Published in Parapolitika
