Greek conservative leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis is poised to secure a second term as prime minister and obtain a majority in parliament, according to preliminary results.
A Decisive Victory for Kyriakos Mitsotakis
In May, Mitsotakis emerged victorious against his center-left rival, Syriza. However, he called for new elections in order to secure enough seats to govern independently. As of now, with over half of the votes counted, his New Democracy party has secured 40.4% of the vote, a staggering 20-point lead over Syriza.
Economic Stability and Resilience Amidst Tragedy
The election took place just 11 days after a tragic incident involving a migrant boat off the coast of Greece, with an estimated 500 people losing their lives. Despite the three days of national mourning, the disaster had minimal impact on the electoral campaign, as Greek citizens prioritized the maintenance of economic stability.
Greek Election Rules and Conservative Bonus Seats
In accordance with Greek election rules for a second election, the conservative party receives a bonus number of seats in parliament. The exact number of additional seats depends on the final outcome of the election.
Tsipras’s Syriza Party Unable to Close the Gap
The Syriza party, led by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, was unable to narrow the margin of defeat from last month’s election. Despite their efforts, the conservative party maintained a significant lead.
Rise of the Spartans Party
The newly established far-right Spartans party achieved success by surpassing the 3% vote-share threshold required to enter parliament. This party gained momentum after another far-right party, the Greeks, was banned by the Greek Supreme Court, leading its incarcerated founder to endorse the Spartans.
A Thrilling Race for Smaller Parties
Greek commentators described the election as a “thriller” due to the involvement of several smaller parties competing to secure enough votes to enter parliament. The outcome of their efforts remained uncertain.
Mitsotakis’s Increasing Margin of Victory
The election’s main narrative centered around Kyriakos Mitsotakis, 55, and his notable expansion of the lead over Alexis Tsipras’s Syriza party. In the previous election, the conservatives had already secured a 20-point victory. Mitsotakis stands out in Greek politics for successfully reviving the country’s economy and achieving stability and growth after a severe debt crisis and three international bailouts.
Voters’ Trust in the Conservatives
Despite the ongoing struggle with the cost of living, Greek voters decided to support the party that promised lower taxes and improvements in public health. This choice reflects their trust in Mitsotakis and his party’s ability to navigate the challenges faced by the nation.
Fragmentation of the Left-Wing Vote
While New Democracy is on the path to a significant victory, the left-wing vote appears fragmented. The Socialist PASOK party is projected to secure over 11% of the votes, while the Communist KKE is estimated to receive around 7%.
Mitsotakis’s Resilience as a Leader
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has earned a reputation as a resilient leader who can weather various crises. Over the past year, he has successfully navigated through challenges, including a rail disaster and a wire-tapping scandal that led to the removal of the intelligence chief and his own nephew, who served as the prime minister’s chief of staff.
In conclusion, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is on track to secure a second term as prime minister, with his New Democracy party poised to gain a parliamentary majority. His consistent leadership and emphasis on economic stability have resonated with Greek voters, while his opponents have struggled to close the gap. As the election results unfold, it is clear that Mitsotakis’s strong political standing and achievements have made a significant impact on the electorate.