Stratos Simopoulos, parliamentary spokesperson for New Democracy (ND), sent a clear signal on Thursday (18 June 2026) that the next general elections will hinge on stability and the party’s ability to secure an outright majority. Speaking on ERTnews, he stressed that the upcoming vote remains wide open — even capable of delivering a strong, single-party government from the first ballot.
A Competitive Race Despite Current Polls
Simopoulos acknowledged that ND currently trails the threshold needed for a parliamentary majority in opinion polls. Yet he emphasized that the race is far from decided, pointing to the government’s ongoing reform agenda, legislative initiatives, and new policy measures scheduled before the 2027 elections. “We could very well achieve a majority from the first round,” he said — drawing a parallel with the 2023 election, when an ND majority also appeared unlikely but ultimately materialized.
Countering Opposition Proposals on Cost-of-Living
Responding to proposals from PASOK and SYRIZA aimed at tackling rising living costs, Simopoulos argued that the current government has already implemented more substantial fiscal measures than those suggested by the opposition. As a key example, he cited ND’s tax relief for young workers: full tax exemption for those under 25, and reduced taxation for those aged 25–30. He described this initiative as both more costly and more effective than alternatives like subsidized public transport tickets.
He added that the government continues advancing legislation and economic support to boost disposable income — and left the door open to further interventions in favour of freelancers and the broader market, provided fiscal space allows.
‘The Problem Lies With the Opposition’
On the prospect of post-election coalition-building, Simopoulos contended that the opposition’s stance actually strengthens the case for ND’s majority. “Since PASOK — a potential governing partner — has ruled out cooperation, the problem shifts to the opposition, not the government,” he stated.
For voters, he framed the choice starkly: either a stable, self-sufficient ND government — or a coalition of opposition parties, which he labelled a “government of the defeated.”
Hoping Antonis Samaras Doesn’t Launch a New Party
Asked about speculation surrounding former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras possibly launching a new political party, Simopoulos expressed hope that such a move would not happen. “I hope he doesn’t press the button,” he said.
He reaffirmed his full support for the current government and his commitment to securing ND’s electoral autonomy. While acknowledging lingering tensions within the centre-right, he believes there remains room to avoid another split in the political space — though he noted that any new party would likely target voters who have drifted away from ND.