Although the government insists that elections will be held in spring 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has signaled that the political machinery is operating on high alert—ready for snap polls at any moment. The entire New Democracy (ND) party apparatus, alongside senior government officials loyal to Mitsotakis, is now mobilized for what insiders describe as a ‘battle formation’—aiming for maximum voter consolidation and, ultimately, parliamentary self-sufficiency.
A Thorn in the Side: The Peloponnese
Until recently, northern Greece was considered ND’s most vulnerable region—marked by significant voter defections to parties further to the right. Now, however, the Peloponnese has emerged as a new concern. This is largely due to the enduring influence of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, whose political roots run deep in Messenia—and extend into Arcadia, Elis, Achaea, and beyond. With Samaras reportedly on the verge of launching his own party, ND leadership has declared this week a strategic ‘offensive’ across the Peloponnese.
Targeted Visits by Top Officials
ND’s outreach is highly calibrated. This week, Party Secretary Konstantinos Kyranakis and Labor Minister Niki Kerameos—both prominent figures who rose under Samaras—are visiting Messenia, underscoring the symbolic weight of their presence.
Late in the week, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas will travel to the same region to highlight completed and upcoming infrastructure projects. Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Chatzidakis heads to Arcadia—a traditionally moderate, ND- and PASOK-leaning area—accompanied by Kyranakis; he’ll later be joined by Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Papathanasis in Megalopolis.
In Argolis—another historically right-leaning region—Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plyris will visit Nafplio and Argos, while Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni travels to Ermionida and Porto Cheli. Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas is scheduled for Corinthia, a predominantly rural prefecture, and Makis Voridis—the party’s hard-right voice—will campaign in Laconia alongside Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kostas Katsafados.
Thessaly Next in Line
The ND’s pre-election activation extends beyond the Peloponnese. Thessaly is next on the agenda—a region where the government has suffered polling setbacks linked to the OPEKEPE scandal and repeated natural disasters. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis are slated for tours across the Thessalian plain, confirming that ND’s electoral readiness is already in full swing.