A conflict on three fronts [opinion]

It is not the first time that all opposition parties stand united against the government of Alexis Tsipras. What is different this time is that the conflict is taking place via the farmers’ mobilizations, a development that the government had expected.

The government however did not expect that New Democracy and the Communist Party of Greece – KKE would form an informal alliance; the two parties wish to wear down the government, each for different reasons. More specifically, KKE is not in favor of a left government, since there is always a danger of losing voters. New Democracy on the other hand, doesn’t want to topple the government; it’s not in the party’s interest. A new government appointed by the Greek Parliament would most probably be a government headed by SYRIZA, with PASOK, Potami and the Union of Centrists as its allies. So, Alexis Tsipras would form a broader government and even worse for ND, SYRIZA would be established as the main Centre-Right party!

It was not by chance that amid the farmers’ mobilizations, Alexis Tsipras met and discussed the country’s future prospects with PASOK president, Fofi Gennimata.

Furthermore, Kyriakos Mitsotakis won’t be able to attract allies in order to form a government, in case SYRIZA falls for two reasons: First, as an opposition party, ND only has 72 MPs. Second, the far Right is dominated by Golden Dawn, while there is a chance of a new Right party to emerge.

By appointing Adonis Georgiadis as the Vice President of New Democracy, Kyriakos Mitsotakis simply made a mistake. As an MP, Adonis Georgiadis has no power in the far Right politics, since Golden Dawn is present. The mistake of Kyriakos Mitsotakis could be considered greater, as the current position of Mr Georgiadis seems to be alienating ND from its vital ground, the Centre-Right, allowing the dominance of SYRIZA and probably PASOK – provided that the party is successfully reformed. So, even if he doesn’t mean to, Kyriakos Mitsotakis may pave the way for a Centre-Right alliance to be formed, which could easily win the elections, whenever they take place.

It was not by chance that amid the farmers’ mobilizations, Alexis Tsipras met and discussed the country’s future prospects with PASOK president, Fofi Gennimata.

What would be in the interest of New Democracy? Kyriakos Mitsotakis wishes for the SYRIZA government to stay in power, implement new, strict measures in order to lose its popularity and fall a year after like a rotten fruit from the tree. This is why Mr Mitsotakis announced that he doesn’t wish to proceed with general elections or form a national unity government.

This kind of tactics may prove to be risky, given the fact that no leader has ever stood out or managed to govern, by choosing to stay idle. There are also many New Democracy members and voters that seek political action and wish to see the political elimination of SYRIZA. This is the reason why they chose Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the party’s new leader after all.

*Konstantinos M. Pantzios is a journalist and a political analyst

PHOTO: Plenum Hall (© Hellenic Parliament, Aliki Eleftheriou)