Mitsotakis Closes Chapter on Samaras Expulsion, Emphasizes Stability

15:25 19/11/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sought to move past the expulsion of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras from New Democracy, highlighting the government’s focus on stability and forward-looking governance.

Mr. Samaras was ousted following a controversial interview in which he sharply criticized the government’s foreign policy and accused its leadership of compromising national interests.

At

a Bloomberg event, Mr. Mitsotakis addressed the decision.

“What happened, happened,” he said. “The decision was explained clearly. My responsibility is to look forward.”

Assuring the public of the government’s parliamentary majority, he dismissed concerns about instability, calling the episode an isolated incident.

“We leave it behind us now,” he added, reiterating that Greece cannot afford to experiment with political stability during turbulent times.

Mr. Samaras’ expulsion followed his accusations that the government had made undignified overtures toward Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama during a recent European summit in Budapest.

He also criticized Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides for direct discussions with Turkey, which he framed as a betrayal of Greek-Cypriot unity on national issues.

In response, Cypriot presidential advisor Victor Papadopoulos clarified that the talks were substantive and marked a historic step in Greek-Turkish-Cypriot relations, rejecting Mr. Samaras’ claims as baseless.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis characterized Mr. Samaras’ behavior as exceeding the bounds of legitimate criticism, accusing him of perpetuating falsehoods and undermining government cohesion.

Mr. Marinakis affirmed that there is no instability within ND’s parliamentary group and rejected any suggestion of early elections. He emphasized that the decision to expel Mr. Samaras was taken to safeguard party unity and the government’s ability to deliver on its commitments.

Senior ND officials, including Minister of Development Adonis Georgiadis and Interior Minister Makis Voridis, supported the decision.

Mr. Georgiadis acknowledged the historical significance of Mr. Samaras’ tenure but stated that the expulsion was unavoidable given the circumstances.

“The prime minister had no other choice,” he remarked, expressing hope that Mr. Samaras would not take actions that could further harm his political legacy.

Education Minister Niki Kerameos echoed these sentiments, describing the expulsion as a regrettable but necessary step.

She noted that Mr. Samaras’ criticism had expanded beyond specific issues to a wholesale attack on the government’s policies, leaving no room for reconciliation.

Despite the high-profile nature of the expulsion, New Democracy officials have dismissed concerns about internal divisions.

MP Nikitas Kaklamanis reassured supporters that the party remains unified, with no indications of further dissent within its ranks. The swift resolution of the issue underscores Mr. Mitsotakis’ determination to maintain discipline within ND while focusing on delivering results for the Greek people.

By decisively addressing the matter, the prime minister aims to project an image of stability and cohesion as the government navigates its legislative agenda.

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