New Democracy’s ethics committee convened on Tuesday evening to formalize the expulsion of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras from the ruling party.
The decision, initiated by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, underscores a decisive move to maintain party discipline and unity amidst mounting tensions.
The committee, which included members called back early from international assignments, is expected to endorse the expulsion unanimously.
Among those summoned was MP Theodoros Karaoglou, who returned early from Buenos Aires to participate. The meeting follows a period of escalating dissent by Mr. Samaras, culminating in a highly critical interview published in To Vima on Sunday.
Mr. Samaras’ expulsion marks the end of a long period of tension between the former prime minister and ND leadership.
In his interview, Mr. Samaras criticized the government sharply and proposed Kostas Karamanlis as a presidential candidate, a suggestion that undermined Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ authority.
“This behavior exceeded institutional boundaries,” government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis stated. “The prime minister had no choice but to proceed with expulsion.”
Mr. Samaras, currently in the United States on a pre-planned trip, reportedly did not anticipate that his remarks would lead to his removal.
His spokesman, Nikos Tsioutsias, noted that Mr. Samaras remains focused on his trip but declined to comment on his future plans.
Key ministers quickly backed Mr. Mitsotakis’ decision. Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis stressed the importance of discipline, saying, “New Democracy has a leader, and members must respect institutional boundaries.” Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis suggested that Mr. Samaras provoked the expulsion, adding, “Division and fragmentation only harm the party and the country.”
Interior Minister Makis Voridis called Mr. Samaras’ criticisms unacceptable, particularly his questioning of the foreign minister’s patriotism, which he argued indirectly challenged Mr. Mitsotakis.
Observers are now speculating on Mr. Samaras’ next steps.
Some analysts suggest he may lend support to smaller right-wing or populist parties. Afroditi Latinopoulou of Foni Logikis and Dimitris Natsios of Niki have already expressed support for his views.
Despite these concerns, senior ND MP Nikitas Kaklamanis dismissed the possibility of others following Mr. Samaras’ lead, stating, “No other MPs will follow. This expulsion was unavoidable.”
With Mr. Samaras’ expulsion, ND seeks to reinforce unity and focus on its governance agenda.
Officials at Maximos Mansion stressed that the decision underscores the party’s commitment to addressing the country’s challenges while maintaining internal cohesion.
The ethics committee’s formalization of the expulsion signals a new chapter for ND, leaving behind internal discord and reaffirming its dedication to stability and discipline.