Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has been expelled from the ruling New Democracy party following persistent criticisms of its policies. The decision, announced on November 16, 2024, significantly impacts the party's structure, reducing its parliamentary strength to 155 members out of 300.
Samaras, aged 73, has been vocal about his discontent, particularly addressing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ handling of negotiations with Turkey, which he referred to as ‘appeasement’. This latest expulsion adds to the tensions within the party, as Samaras has also complained about legislation perceived as overly centrist or progressive, including the recent approval of same-sex marriage.
The conflict reached its zenith when Samaras provided pointed critiques during an interview with To Vima, where he called for the resignation of Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis over the management of Turkey discussions. Samaras’ remarks were not merely opinions; they struck deep against the government’s credibility and internal unity, as iterated by government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis. He emphasized the need for stability, stating, “Mr. Samaras did not just express opinions. He expressed his complete disagreement with all governing policies.”
Marinakis’s comments highlight the government's frustration with Samaras, who has been perceived as increasingly detached from the party’s base and ideological direction. “Arrogance and loss of nerve explain Mitsotakis’ move,” Samaras retorted, lamenting the shift away from traditional party values under Mitsotakis' leadership. This rift is particularly significant considering Samaras once led New Democracy himself, taking over the reins from Kostas Karamanlis and shaping the party’s policy direction during his time.
Historically, Samaras's relationship with the Mitsotakis family has been contentious. This isn’t the first time tensions have boiled over; decades prior, during the tenure of Konstantinos Mitsotakis—Kyriakos’s father—Samaras was dismissed as foreign minister due to policy disagreements. That earlier fallout eventually contributed to the collapse of the Mitsotakis government.
Not only has this recent fallout caused internal strife within New Democracy, but it has also animated discussions about leadership and the future direction of Greek conservatism. There have been murmurs about supporting another candidate, with Samaras floating the notion of backing Karamanlis as the next president as the current terms end early next year. This strategic maneuver showcases Samaras’ intent to remain relevant and continue influencing Greek politics beyond his time with New Democracy.
Despite being expelled, Samaras retains support among several lawmakers poised to navigate these new political waters. The government remains steadfast, declaring it will proceed without him, “No one has the right to mess with the country’s stability,” Marinakis reiterated, signaling to the electorate and the party’s base the importance of unity amid external pressures.
With the focus now turned both on governing and potential leadership challenges, the expulsion of Antonis Samaras marks not just the end of one chapter, but possibly the beginning of new shifts within the political fabric of Greece.
