While the vote in Parliament regarding Karamanlis’s referral to the Parliamentary Committee is still pending, there’s notable activity within the New Democracy (ND) parliamentary group, with some MPs questioning the legal foundation of the indictment.
During yesterday’s discussions, efforts to gather 30 ND MPs to support the referral proposal for Karamanlis revealed some reluctance, with a few MPs signing with hesitance and questioning why the entire group was not mobilized. This matter has been a point of contention within ND’s parliamentary group for several days, and the first 30 MPs to respond positively were those who signed.
It’s important to note that the former Minister of Infrastructure and Transport has been in direct communication with the Maximos Mansion (Prime Minister’s Office) and was aware of ND’s proposal prior to its submission. While he did not issue a written statement yesterday, he is expected to address the Parliament, responding to the allegations directed at him by both the government and the opposition.
Clearly, the Maximos Mansion is aware that the details are crucial. Managing Karamanlis’s referral will require careful navigation within ND’s parliamentary group, especially as the vote for referral to the Judicial Council is confidential.
Interestingly, during the vote regarding Trantopoulos’s referral, there were leaks from ND’s side, yet opposition parties ultimately supported the government’s proposal. Consequently, speculation arises about whether any “blue” MPs might, for various reasons, choose not to support the referral of the former minister to the Judicial Council.
While this scenario might not be likely, it isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility within Parliament. It is clear that some ND MPs may be tempted to create internal party tensions.
Furthermore, if there are leaks or if Karamanlis is not referred, ND might find itself once again in the midst of a “cover-up” narrative, which it seeks to avoid by adopting the “Trantopoulos model,” that is, expedited referral to the Judicial Council. It is widely believed that, in the coming period, the Maximos Mansion will initiate measures to protect the process and secure favorable support for the “blue” proposal.
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