Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samara hosted a dinner in Pagkrati on Wednesday evening with three sitting New Democracy (ND) MPs — Charalambos Athanasiou, Theophilos Leontaridis, and Giorgos Karasmanis. While the event was publicly downplayed by the Maximos Mansion as politically insignificant, it stirred behind-the-scenes discussion amid persistent speculation about Samara launching a new political party.
A Meeting Framed as Unity Talk
In response to reports of unease at the Prime Minister’s office, the three MPs issued a joint statement clarifying their position. They emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was solely to discuss the unity of New Democracy — a matter they described as one of national importance and collective responsibility. ‘In yesterday’s meeting with former Prime Minister Antonis Samara — whom we deeply respect for his significant contribution to our country and to ND — we addressed the unity of our party as an issue of national significance and shared duty,’ they stated.
Maximos Plays It Down
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis sought to defuse tensions during Thursday’s press briefing (02.07.2026), dismissing concerns about defections or internal unrest. When asked whether the dinner raised alarm within the ruling camp, he replied tersely: ‘We have no such concerns — nor do things like this happen over a meal.’
Timing Amplified the Impact
The dinner coincided with the release of a new Marc poll examining the hypothetical ‘Samara party’. According to the survey, such a party would secure 2.9% of the firm vote — just below the 3% parliamentary threshold. More notably, the data suggests limited appeal among current ND voters: only 2.4% said they would definitely vote for it, with another 3.7% considering it likely. Instead, stronger support appears to come from voters of smaller parties — notably Elpida (Hope), Greek Solution, and, to a lesser extent, PASOK.
Why the Reaction Was Muted
These findings help explain why the government avoided framing the dinner as an internal crisis. Rather than signaling a rift within ND, the gathering appears more closely tied to broader political realignment — particularly among undecided or disaffected voters across the center-right spectrum. With polls pointing to Samara’s potential influence beyond ND’s core base, the real focus lies less on defections and more on the shifting loyalties of the uncommitted.