The 16th Conference of the New Democracy takes place this weekend at a particularly critical international and domestic juncture.
The war conflicts in the wider region, geopolitical volatility, and the economic and social pressures experienced by citizens are intensifying the sense of insecurity and concern in society.
In this environment, the congress of the ruling party acquires particular political importance, as it is called upon to redefine priorities, to strengthen the collective vision of the blue party and to give a clear political signal in view of the long election period until spring 2027.
Expectations from the work of the congress are high. Society is demanding substantial answers to the problems of everyday life, policies that meet the real needs of citizens and a public discourse characterised by credibility, consistency and responsibility and not toxicity.
As far as the delegates and party members from the Diaspora participating in the Congress are concerned, they have every reason to be optimistic and satisfied as they now have a substantial presence in the political developments of the country. The possibility for Greeks from abroad to participate equally in the national elections, through the distance and absentee voting, is a historic reform that implemented a long-standing demand of the Hellenic community abroad.
The implementation of this reform confirms the consistency of the words and actions of the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. At the same time, the political dominance of the Prime Minister, as reflected in the opinion polls, forms the conditions for New Democracy to claim a third term in government.
For Greeks in the Diaspora, the strengthening of the country’s international image in recent years is also of particular importance, thanks to the impeccable presence of the President! He stabilizes alliances, puts forward proposals for the benefit of the country and Europe, and opens the country to the world. Greece today enjoys the respect of its European partners, while strengthening its cultural and diplomatic presence internationally. The recognition of the value of the Greek language by UNESCO was a huge diplomatic success for the Greek Delegation of the organization in Paris. The support for the preservation and dissemination of the Greek language and cultural heritage to the younger generations of expatriates, as well as to the philhellenes around the world, will be the next step in satisfying yet another long-standing demand of the Diaspora.
In the same context, initiatives concerning the country’s connection with Greeks abroad are also part of the same framework. A typical example is the recent action “Rebrain Greece” by the Ministry of Labour, led by Minister Niki Kerameos, in London, aimed at reconnecting Greek scientists and workers with the Greek labour market. The return of young people who left abroad during the years of the crisis is a strategic priority, at a time when large companies are looking for qualified personnel in Greece.
Special reference is also made to the actions of the Group of Hellenes Abroad, such as the annual Symposium of Diaspora Youth, which in recent years has become an institution with increasing participation and international appeal.
At the same time, the conference is expected to highlight the need for a different political culture. A public dialogue based on argumentation, respect and democratic debate, far from the divisions that often dominate political life. Society is looking for political forces that can inspire trust, unite and give a perspective for the future.
* Maria Diamantopoulou is a teacher, specialising in teaching Greek as a second and foreign language. She was director of the Education Office of the Greek Embassy in France and head of the Paris Examination Centre for Attainment in Greek. She was a candidate for New Democracy’s State Deputy for Diaspora.
