Though the next national elections are nearly two years away, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is swiftly mobilizing New Democracy’s (ND) electoral efforts. This proactive strategy aims to strengthen party organization and voter alignment as he targets a potential third term. In a carefully measured address to the Political Committee, he outlined the party’s roadmap not only for the 2027 election cycle but with ambitions extending to 2031.
This advance mobilization demonstrates both confidence in ND’s political strength and a tactical move to take advantage of a divided opposition. By reshuffling key roles and appointing Kostas Skrekas as party secretary, Mitsotakis is refining ND’s internal structure—enhancing staff roles, expanding outreach initiatives like the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), and gearing up for the upcoming party congress in December (or January if postponed).
Four Key Priorities for 2027
Mitsotakis established four main priorities for the upcoming electoral term:
- Support for the Middle Class, focusing on continued tax cuts, income support, and affordable housing.
- Public Sector Reform, aiming for improvements in health, education, justice, and security.
- Strengthening National Defense, specifically through increased military investment.
- Bridging Regional Inequality, addressing the developmental divide between urban areas and the periphery.
This comprehensive vision aims for stability, a continuation of technocratic governance, and an appeal to centrist voters who’ve historically shifted between major parties.
The Challenge and Importance of Expansion
Mitsotakis emphasized his dedication to political expansion, considering it vital for maintaining ND’s preeminence. His objective is to retain centrist voters who may lean towards Centre-Left options while also addressing nationalist sentiments often courted by right-leaning groups.
Recent cabinet changes have brought ND MPs closer to core leadership, but the Prime Minister hinted that future growth would hinge on specific individuals, indicating a willingness to consider external candidates as necessary for broader electoral strategy.
Opposition Critique: The “Absurd Alliance” and Tempi Debate
Mitsotakis did not shy away from criticizing the opposition, particularly the emerging coalition of Zoi Konstantopoulou, Kyriakos Velopoulos, Dimitris Natsios, and Stefanos Kasselakis. He condemned their collaboration on a pre-investigative proposal accusing him of treason, labeling it a representation of a “guild of the absurd.”
Linking current events to earlier populist movements from the 2010s, he referenced the “indignados square protests.” The Prime Minister is expected to personally address the Pre-Investigation debate in plenary, with internal sources suggesting this decision is already settled.
Covert Criticism: Internal Party Strains Emerge
In addition to targeting the opposition, Mitsotakis also subtly criticized internal dissenters, mentioning “self-proclaimed national issue advisors” and those who have “descended from their couches” to provide unsolicited advice. While unnamed, many interpreted these comments as aimed at former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is scheduled to appear later today with Kostas Karamanlis at a book launch organized by journalist Stavros Lygeros.
In contrast, Mitsotakis will participate in a Labor Ministry event focused on combating brain drain, signaling that his attention remains on forward-thinking governance and the renewal of generations.
Looking Forward
With foundational work underway, policy goals established, and ideological boundaries drawn, Mitsotakis is clarifying that New Democracy’s strategy for 2027 is already taking shape. In a dynamic political environment marked by coalition changes and ideological shifts, early mobilization, centrist engagement, and internal cohesion may emerge as ND’s most potent electoral assets.
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