The polls from the first round of twelve surveys conducted after the founding of the parties A. Tsipras and M. Karystianou have been completed; in fact, one or two have already been published, and we are awaiting more.
The findings have been discussed at length. The New Democracy remains steady at 29%–30%, the EL.A.S. is comfortably in second place with 15%–15.5% and seems to be gaining some momentum, while PASOK is trying to get back on its feet and shore up its defenses after finding itself in third or fourth place alongside ELPIDA – MARIA KARISTIAOU, which is showing a significant share of the vote and does not appear to be collapsing, as some are usually quick to claim in their analyses.
Beyond that, HELLENIC SOLUTION, FREEDOM COURSE AND KKE are showing signs of weakness, MERA 25 and VOICE OF REASON are polling below 3%, while the remaining parties—with SYRIZA, which is fading away, as the prime and most telling example—are on a path to “disappearance” (NIKI, NEA ARISTERA, SPARTIA, DEMOCRATS).
In short, much has changed and will continue to change, but one thing has not: New Democracy is certainly considered the frontrunner in the elections, and what is being discussed is the percentage of the vote it will ultimately receive and whether it will be able to secure a majority in the first or second round of elections, while we have noted that, given the current distribution of seats, there can be no government without the New Democracy party’s participation. Period.
Precisely for this reason, what we’ll see from here on out is that the focus of political and non-political centers will be on weakening New Democracy and, if possible, something that doesn’t seem very feasible, to drop below 25% and fail to secure even the first installment of the bonus.
This is the obvious, and acknowledged goal, as noted by a number of analysts, and the last hope in this regard is a Samaras-led party that could, for example, take three percentage points away from New Democracy so that it does notfall too far below 25%.
At this time, scenarios of destabilization are resurfacing—not of New Democracy, but essentially of the political system, the ability to govern, and ultimately the functioning of democracy. Some are writing about a special-purpose government without specifying who would be part of it—and it would be good for us to know so we can judge— others want a mid-term change led by K. Mitsotakis—for reasons known only to them that have nothing to do with the people’s welfare but rather their own interests—and still others speak of a possible victory for A. Tsipras.
In short, what’s on the table aren’t just plans for alternative governments, but scenarios for developments linked to the consolidation of power by those who are already powerful and control key economic sectors—and, of course, a huge portion of the media system.
Is it true that those citizens who have legitimate grievances regarding certain aspects of the government’s policies do they want a period of instability and anarchy, with the reins held by economic power centers that are already helping those who can chip away—even just a little—from the New Democracy party? Is that what we’re aiming for? Should we strive to live better as a society, or should we let those who think they can do whatever they want from behind the scenes—as if the country belongs to them—have their way?
Of course, society itself will answer this question. The question, however, is directed primarily at those who feel they are members of a large, dominant political faction—friends, New Democracy voters, and even centrist forces who view Mr. Mitsotakis positively, albeit with reservations. Do they want a strong and dominant political party, or do they want to open the floodgates of paranoia?
It is understandable that many of them view Antonis Samaras favorably, especially after his time in government during the bailout period. However, has any of them understood exactly why he is forming a party? What is his agenda? What does he intend to do beyond breaking away from New Democracy, and why is this a positive development for their political camp?
How can someone who brought down a New Democracy government—and who will likely try to prevent a second one from being re-elected—talk about “the good of the political camp”? Have they considered that a New Democracy like the one described by A. Samaras could once again find itself at 19%, with whatever consequences that might entail?
They are considering what the silence—or the vocal presence—of former officials honored by New Democracy signifies, many of whom bear decisive responsibility for the bankruptcy, and who, after remaining silent during the SYRIZA–ANEL government, are now touring the country and “expressing concern”?
There are issues that society simply cannot ignore, issues that cannot leave anyone indifferent—especially those who belong to the only party capable of governing today. Because if, in the name of possible bitterness or discontent, they act like a scattered village, the most likely outcome will be winners that no one would want—and those who understand will understand.
Now is the most critical moment, and let everyone take responsibility.
This article was published at Liberal.gr
