New Democracy, Greece’s conservative party, is facing a serious leadership problem after the third electoral defeat in a row, counting the European Parliament and municipal elections of May 2014.
After the resignation of Antonis Samaras in the summer due to disappointment within the party, party vice president Vangelis Meimarakis took over and led the party to Sunday’s election where he lost to Alexis Tsipras’ SYRIZA.
Watching the debate between the two rival parties on September 14, it was easy to see that Tsipras’ slogan of “let’s get rid of the old” — meaning the old political system — helped him beat the New Democracy chief: the youthful 41-year-old Tsipras against the 61-year-old Meimarakis; the young politician who promised a better future against the older politician whose party, along with PASOK, plunged Greece into recession and debt abyss; Tsipras prided himself about his achievements while Meimarakis kept accusing his rival for his failures.
Meimarakis’ strategy was wrong. But more importantly, his party lacks new ideas and enthusiasm. In addition, New Democracy carries the stigma of bringing the hated memoranda.
What the center-right party is truly missing is a fresh face. Not necessarily an anti-Tsipras, but certainly a face that in the minds of Greek people is not connected to the old, tired political system of kickbacks, nepotism, clientelism and overall corruption. It is also not necessary to look for a 40-year-old in the party to pretend he represents the “new” to rival Tsipras’ pretend “new.”
Furthermore, New Democracy needs a leader who is disconnected from accusations of flirting with the extreme right, like Samaras was accused of. It is ironic that in the media war, SYRIZA has cleverly propagandized New Democracy as the rightist, backwards party while at the same time allies a coalition with the antisemitic, homophobic, Christian-cross-waving Independent Greeks.
Those who have expressed the possible intention to run for New Democracy president so far do not fit the description of the ideal party chief. Nikos Dendias, former citizen protection minister, is branded as a hard rightist. Makis Voridis much more so, especially with a documented flirtation with national socialism in his youth. Kyriakos Mitsotakis carries the last name of his father, Constantinos Mitsotakis, who is disliked by the general population. Dora Bakogiannis is also daughter of the unpopular former prime minister Mitsotakis. Former tourism minister Olga Kefalogiannis doesn’t carry the necessary clout.
Finally, Vangelis Meimarakis has not opened his cards yet whether he intends to run. Makeshift polls show him to be the most popular among key party members. However, in the minds of Greek people will remain as the candidate who lost to Tsipras.
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