PM insists on widening ND embrace
Amid criticism about party’s direction, Mitsotakis defends tactics that won five elections
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to put an end to discussions about a turn of ruling New Democracy to the center or to the right, but also talk about returning to its roots, during his introductory speech to the conservative parliamentary group on Wednesday, stressing that the policy of the party’s enlargement will continue, despite calls for walls to be set up.
“We have a duty to draw a clear horizon and to stay away from clouds that blur the landscape, such as so-called false dilemmas about a supposed turn toward the center, toward the right,” he said.
“Our way leads only forward,” the PM stated. Mitsotakis’ comments came amid calls during the meeting, in which a total of 37 MPs took the floor, for a change in the attitudes and practices of government ministers and of non-parliamentarians. Moreover, criticism was also directed at the government for moving away from the ideological principles of the party, as exemplified by the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Defending the party’s tactics since he took over its leadership, Mitsotakis insisted that New Democracy is now far removed “from outdated labels, which in our time have probably exhausted their importance.”
Regarding calls for a return to the party’s roots, he said emphatically that “we have never denied them,” but noted that if “the tree does not grow taller and does not spread, then the roots wither, while when the branches grow, then they also justify their role.”
“We are walking in time by renewing our thinking and our potential, saying no to those who want a small and fearful ND,” he stressed, reminding his audience that it was these very tactics that won New Democracy five elections. Moreover, he dismissed any talk “about the patriotic character of our party,” recalling the fence built in Evros, the new frigates Greece is acquiring, the strong alliances it has created, and the Rafale fighter jets procured.
He did not shy from self-criticism, which, however, he said, “should not be an excuse for dead-end introspection, nor for political ambitions.”
Regarding the cost of living crisis, he said it “damaged the government,” while also making reference to “initiatives that have alienated conservative voters” without, however, naming same-sex marriage.
Mitsotakis also admitted that the high abstention rate in the European elections on June 9 was the government’s Achilles’ heel.
