Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis launched an attack on left-wing parties, commenting on the reactions that followed the deadly attack in Thessaloniki.
Speaking to SKAI, Mr. Hatzidakis described the statements of those who spoke of a provocation or the exploitation of the incident as “provocative,” emphasizing that in a European country, the only appropriate response should be to condemn violence and punish the guilty parties.
“We’ve reached the point where some people are talking about a provocation. We’ve heard that, too. In a normal European country, if such a criminal attack were to occur—regardless of where it came from, whether by hooligans, far-right extremists, or far-left extremists—the reaction would be: shame, outrage, condemnation, and punishment of the perpetrators. There would be no further debate. Here, when it’s hooligans or far-right extremists, we rightly condemn them. When it’s far-left extremists, we just put up with these incidents,” he said pointedly.
What he said about a possible Samaras party
Referring to speculation about former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras forming a new political party, the Deputy Prime Minister appeared skeptical about its potential impact.
“Modern political history and the trajectory of New Democracy have shown that whoever forms a party does not have much appeal. The party’s supporters, regardless of their leaders, remain loyal to the party,” he noted.
The Three Reasons Why New Democracy Will Win Again
Kostis Hatzidakis highlighted three key reasons why citizens will support New Democracy again in the upcoming elections.
“First, because we’ve delivered on what we promised. A recent KEFIM study shows that 91% of our commitments have been fulfilled or are in the process of being fulfilled.
Second, because when faced with the choice between Mitsotakis, Tsipras, Androulakis, Konstantopoulou, Velopoulos, or Latinopoulou, I believe Mitsotakis stands out. He is more trustworthy, more capable, has international standing, is knowledgeable on the issues, and is effective.
And the third reason is that when our 2030 agenda is presented—I’m in charge of the New Democracy program—people will weigh the different platforms. The others will make all sorts of empty promises. That’s their right. We will outline 5–10 specific measures, based on what’s being done in countries that have achieved more than we have.
We will chart a course characterized by realistic hope. And I believe that for all these reasons, it will once again become clear that New Democracy is the party on which society can pin its hopes.”
In closing, the Deputy Prime Minister argued that the latest polls show New Democracy gaining ground and reminded listeners that even before the 2023 elections, the party’s final share of the vote was not a foregone conclusion.
“As the elections approach, voters face difficult choices, and those who are undecided usually return to the party they originally supported,” he said.
Read the full interview here: https://youtu.be/5uuPUJkXTxU