Greek Government Launches Offensive to Consolidate Voter Support Amid Polling Decline

10:23 15/10/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The Greek government is ramping up efforts to consolidate support from centrist and right-wing voters as it faces declining polling numbers and rising competition from parties on the political right.

Despite maintaining a significant lead over opposition parties, New Democracy

(ND) has seen its support fall compared to its strong performance in 2023, raising concerns about whether the party can secure a parliamentary majority in future elections.

Parties such as the Hellenic Solution and Voice of Logic have gained traction, capitalizing on issues like immigration and national security.

At the same time, Pasok, rejuvenated after its internal leadership elections, is vying to attract centrist voters who are increasingly dissatisfied with the government.

These challenges have prompted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration to launch a two-pronged offensive, aiming to win back centrist voters and block the advance of right-wing challengers.

On the centrist front, New Democracy plans to introduce key political reforms, including postal voting in national elections and a constitutional revision.

The initiatives are designed to undermine Pasok's appeal, a party which New Democracy has successfully kept at bay in the past. By focusing on policies that directly improve the daily lives of citizens, the government hopes to reaffirm its position as the "only strong and organized pillar" in Greece's political landscape, as described by Mr. Makis Voridis, Minister of State.

Simultaneously, the government is preparing to confront far-right movements that have gained ground. "We will not stand by idly," said close associates of Mr. Mitsotakis, as they expressed concerns about the rise of these parties, which they believe are using misinformation to attract conservative voters away from the ruling party. Immigration and Greece's dialogue with Turkey have been particularly contentious topics, with the government accusing its rivals of spreading falsehoods to stir fear and resentment among voters.

A key figure in this right-wing shift is Ms. Afroditi Latinopoulou, who has positioned herself as a defender of traditional ND values. However, Mr. Pavlos Marinakis, government spokesperson, recently criticized her political alignment.

"Ms. Latinopoulou chose to align with Mr. Orban and Ms. Le Pen, officially placing herself in the European Far Right," Mr. Marinakis stated, warning that her views are incompatible with New Democracy’s principles.

He also stressed that the immigration policies proposed by Ms. Latinopoulou and her allies would isolate Greece from the European Union.

Government officials believe there are still strong "anti-Syriza reflexes" among voters that could once again be mobilized in New Democracy’s favor.

This sentiment was reinforced by Mr. Marinakis’ recent comments on Syriza’s internal struggles, particularly the exclusion of Mr. Stefanos Kasselakis from a leadership race, which he used to argue that Syriza is associated with undemocratic practices.

As the political landscape shifts, New Democracy faces the dual challenge of maintaining its dominance in the center while fending off far-right rivals, as it prepares for upcoming electoral battles.

By Yannis Kantellis

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