Moreover, Nea Dimokratia is so convinced of winning a majority in the second round that a possible coalition partner would weaken a “new democracy” for the next four years, according to Lanser. “So it’s about stability, and that’s guaranteed by a one-party government,” says Mitsotakis.
The Nea Dimokratia party was founded in 1974 by Kostantinos Karamanlis, at the end of the Greek colonel’s regime. It is a right-wing conservative party that maintains traditions, but has a liberal leader in Mitsotakis, says Lanser. “It is a populist and patriotic party, but at the same time a serious party with economic ambitions”.
Salary increase
For example, Mitsotakis has promised a gradual increase in wages in the current election – if the budget allows – and a correction in purchasing power, which has fallen sharply over the past year due to high inflation and stagnant wages. According to Lanser, Nea Dimokratia is also committed to maintaining good relations with NATO and the EU, and migration policy remains tough. “Among other things, they will strengthen and modernize border controls,” he says. ‘Totally, because we are talking about Greece 2.0.’