The leader of the main opposition party Antonis Samaras is preparing for the critical session of New Democracy’s parliamentary on Thursday, where he is expected to have his leadership challenged. Many party officers have requested an emergency conference, to which the former PM is likely to counter-propose an emergency national conference.
Nevertheless, Mr. Samaras appears to be realizing that he must address the recent crushing defeat in the January elections and that he will have to carry out major changes in the party. Mr. Samaras is said to be preparing a “party reshuffle”, which will see at least two close associates leave. While this may be a welcome move by factions within ND which had been sidelined in recent times, it remains to be seen whether this initiative will have the desired effect of alleviating stress and internal conflict.
Many ND officers have been seen visiting the former party leader and PM Kostas Karamanlis for advice on the matter. The former PM, who will attend Mr. Samaras’ speech on Thursday, has urged calmness and stressed the need to maintain party unity. The European Commissioner and party veteran Dimitris Avramopoulos is also expected to attend, although he is not scheduled to speak.
Thursday’s meeting is going to be the most critical session for New Democracy, since February 2012, when a major divide occurred after Antonis Samaras decided to support the second bailout. Many party officers and MPs are in constant touch, with meetings and contacts escalating as Thursday approaches.
