The… bullet from the lips of Antonis Samaras had gone “If you want my opinion, I consider Costas Karamanlis the best choice” said the former prime minister on “Vima tis Kyriaki” (17/11) and a few hours later he was deleted from New Democracy by a decision of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The deletion did not come only because of the proposal for the Presidency of the Republic. However, it was considered unfair to open the discussion about the person, while the Maximos Palace had announced in all tones that such a conversation is untimely and offensive to the institution. +
From the environment of Kostas Karamanlis, only two words were allowed to leak out: “No comment”. A little later, however, and while paraphilology was raging, some more were added: “There was no pre-arrangement”. However, knowing the relationship that the two former prime ministers have recently developed, many could not believe that Ant. Samaras did not inform K. of his move. Karamanlis.
The former prime minister was abroad when the bomb “exploded” and there was intense speculation as to whether he should make a statement on Samara’s removal or answer the matter concerning his person. There were only seven days until his scheduled public appearance in Patras and his speech about his book Giorgos Harvalias “Devil! Blood, oblivion and servitude”.
Finally, it was decided to make his intervention at the event, speaking both about the internal affairs of the faction, but also about the national ones, which was the main reason for the deletion of Antonis Samaras. The antennae of Megaros Maximos, clearly oriented towards the Achaean capital, hoped that the former prime minister would not add more salt to the internal party wound. “Every position and speech of a former prime minister has value, we always expect comments and observations” government sources said in anticipation of the speech. “Mr. Karamanlis always positions himself with dignity” the government spokesman said on Friday, a few hours before the former prime minister opened his papers.
The disagreement with the Samaras deletion is clear
What is certain is that the conclusion of the speech of Kostas Karamanlis did not please Megaro Maximos, as he fully expressed his disagreement with the disciplinary measures taken against Antonis Samaras. The former prime minister “saw” through the controversial deletion of “demonizing dissent”but also of the criticism made by Ant. Samaras (and from him) on national issues, arguing that this attitude of Megaros Maximos does not contribute to the unity of support for the national line.
“I want to reiterate that the other opinion, the different reading, even the strong criticism should not be demonized. And in any case, they are not dealt with by disciplinary measures, making it even more difficult the necessary national unity to support the national line”.
Previously, he had mentioned the attitude that our country should take towards Turkey – “To deal with it effectively”as he said, “with clear positions on the one and only difference we have with Turkey, namely the delimitation of the EEZ and the continental shelf. The issues that Turkey is slyly and arbitrarily trying to put on the agenda are non-existent. Whether it is about national sovereignty or sovereign rights, firmly established in International Law, or about the demilitarization of the islands. Let Turkey forget these things as well as those international actors who encourage or tolerate them” said Kostas Karamanlis, then rushing to solve the riddle after the proposal made by Mr. Let Samaras be the next President of the Republic.
“I am honored by the thought, especially when it comes from a former prime minister. But I want to make it clear that the matter neither concerns nor interests me”. Blue MPs argue that Kostas Karamanlis has mentally distanced himself from New Democracy, without this however meaning that he does not seek or desire its unity. His decision not to be an MP in the last national election in 2023 “has freed him in his public positions” the same sources say. The next of these is scheduled for December 7 in the Old Parliament.
#nos #Kostas #Karamanlis
* **How might the expulsion of Samaras from New Democracy affect the party’s ability to mobilize its traditional voter base, given his long-standing influence within the party and his connection to certain demographics?** (This question considers the **Political Attitudes & Actions** of potential voters)
## Interview: The Fallout of Samaras’ Recommendation & the Future of New Democracy
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re joined by two distinguished guests to discuss the recent events within New Democracy following former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ endorsement of Kostas Karamanlis for the Presidency of the Republic.
**Guest 1:** [Political analyst specializing in Greek politics]
**Guest 2:** [Journalist covering Greek political affairs]
**Host:** [Guest 1], let’s begin with the fallout from Samaras’ statement. In your view, what were the key factors that led to his expulsion from New Democracy, and do you think the reaction was justified?
**(Section 1: The Samaras Expulsion)**
* **Guest 1**: Could you elaborate on the political motivations behind Antonis Samaras’ recommendation, considering the timing and the recent tensions within New Democracy?
* **Guest 2**: How has this incident impacted public perception of New Democracy’s internal cohesion and its ability to present a united front?
**(Section 2: Karamanlis’ Response and the Road Ahead)**
* **Host:** Kostas Karamanlis’ response has been interpreted in various ways. [Guest 2], how significant is his stance on dissent and criticism within the party, and what does it tell us about his view of the current leadership?
* **Guest 1**: Do you think Karamanlis’ explicit refusal of the presidency offer was a personal decision, a strategic move, or a combination of both?
**(Section 3: National Interests and the Role of Dissent)**
* **Host:** Both Samaras and Karamanlis have emphasized the importance of a unified stance against Turkey’s provocations. [Guest 1], how do you reconcile their calls for unity with their differing views on handling dissent within the party?
* **Guest 2**: Do you believe that this incident will have long-term implications for New Democracy’s approach to national issues, and potentially influence foreign policy decisions?
**(Section 4: The Future of New Democracy)**
* **Host:**Looking ahead: where does this incident leave New Democracy? [Guest 2], what are the potential ramifications for the upcoming election cycle, and how might this impact the party’s ability to attract voters?
* **Guest 1**: Do you foresee any attempts at reconciliation within New Democracy, or will this rift continue to widen?
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful analysis. This event has undoubtedly sparked significant debate within the Greek political landscape, and its repercussions will likely be felt for some time to come.
**Note:** This framework is designed to guide the interview and encourage nuanced discussion. Specific questions can be adapted and expanded based on the guests’ expertise and the flow of the conversation.
