The political committee of main opposition party New Democracy is scheduled to convene on Friday and will be called upon by provisional party leader Evangelos Meimarakis to decide whether a new leader will be elected in spring 2016 or to expedite procedures for a new leader by mid-August.
Mr. Meimarakis recently commented that he wants a “clear solution” and has openly spoken on of the strategy he wishes to pursue as party leader, aiming for a more moderate approach, compared to the party’s strategy over recent years.
The provisional leader has told To Vima that he wishes to lead the main opposition party for the next few months and has not ruled out running for president. Current party legislation provides that anyone may for a new leader in New Democracy, provided they pay two euros, with Mr. Meimarakis however wanting to change it so that party members and supporters decide on the next party president.
Nikos Dendias, who intends to run for the party presidency, appears to be in favor of Mr. Meimarakis leading New Democracy until party elections are carried out in spring. Other prominent party members, such as Makis Voridis and Adonis Georgiadis, have expressed their opposition to Mr. Meimarakis’ strategy.
The two, who were closely associated with former party leader Antonis Samaras, have found unlikely “allies” in other prominent party divs who are considered for the party’s helm Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Dora Bakoyanni. While they have different opinions on what ideology New Democracy should pursue, they agree on bringing the party elections forward.
