Meimarakis set to propose election of new ND chief

New Democracy's caretaker leader Evangelos Meimarakis is set to propose on Friday the launch of procedures to elect a new party chief, reports said on Wednesday.

Contrary to his previous remarks, Meimarakis, a former defense minister, is expected to propose that the new head be chosen by conservative party members. He wants the ballot to take place on Sunday, August 30, reports said.

It is not clear if Meimarakis, who took over as interim ND leader following the resignation of former prime minister Antonis Samaras, will take part in the race. Reports on Wednesday suggested that Samaras might seek a return to the helm of what is currently Greece's biggest opposition party.