Maximos Mansion is orienting itself toward rapprochement moves with Kostas Karamanlis, seeking to build a line of communication with the former prime minister at a time when the prospect of Antonis Samaras founding a new political party causes serious concern within New Democracy. The primary objective is to make clear that Karamanlis will not follow the Messinian politician in a new political venture, thereby limiting the risk of fresh voter losses for the ruling party. Within this framework, particular interest lies in the role that could be assumed by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Theodoros Roussopoulos, who has maintained ties with the former prime minister since his tenure in government. The two figures could act as communication channels, facilitating a rapprochement without public confrontations or moves that would place Kostas Karamanlis in a difficult position. Besides, Theodoros Roussopoulos will be a wild-card figure for Maximos Mansion, as rumors suggest he will also be included on the State Ballot.
Mitsotakis's role and messages to the former prime minister
Kyriakos Mitsotakis himself is expected to be involved in this effort. The Prime Minister has already attempted to politically differentiate Kostas Karamanlis from Antonis Samaras, referring in a distinct manner to his relations with the two former ND leaders. In his interview on ERTnews on September 17, he spoke of a good personal relationship with Karamanlis, whereas regarding Samaras he stated that, should he proceed with creating a party, a new discussion would take place. This political line is expected to continue in the coming period, with the Prime Minister seeking to keep channels open with the former New Democracy president, and a personal contact between the two men is not ruled out, according to other government sources.
The gamble of leaks toward the right
Government strategists realize that a new party under Antonis Samaras could appeal to New Democracy voters who hold reservations about government policy, particularly on issues of foreign policy and the party's ideological identity. Everyone has understood this; even Stan Greenberg now highlights it, seeing that Samaras is causing a political split. The possibility of linking such an effort with the name of Kostas Karamanlis would create additional hurdles for the ruling party. After all, such rumors already circulate, given that Karamanlis-aligned cadres have been supporting Samaras, such as Panos Panagiotopoulos, Nikos Nikolopoulos, and Evangelos Antonaros. Which is why a clear differentiation—or at least distance—by the former prime minister acquires particular importance to prevent voter leakage...
With an eye on the 2027 elections
In any case, Kyriakos Mitsotakis seeks to contain internal party turmoil ahead of the 2027 general elections. Maximos Mansion will apparently monitor with keen interest the public interventions that the former prime minister will make in the period ahead. It is worth noting that Kostas Karamanlis will attend the War Museum on October 25 to speak before the Association of Retired Army Officers on the occasion of the October 28 anniversary and the 1940 Epic.
Sotiris Pikoulas
www.bankingnews.gr
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