The newly-elected opposition leader in Greece and Europe

by Athanase Papandropoulos

Former MEP of New Democracy party and current Spokesperson of the European Commission – who has recently been promoted to Deputy Director-General for Communication - Margaritis Schinas helds one of the most critical posts in the Commission, mostly because of his advisory role to Jean-Claude Juncker.

Moreover, due to his daily contact with numerous accredited foreign correspondents in Brussels, Margaritis Schinas has developed a powerful communicational platform of significant influence that, if he wants to use, could prove to be a precious political assistance to Kyriakos Mitsotakis - and not only.

It is worth mentioning that through Jean-Claude Juncker, the newly elected ND leader can regain the lost ground in the European People's Party (EPP), as both former Prime Ministers (and ND leaders) Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras left behind an unfavorable situation. 

Members of EPP are convinced that the two former PM’s carried out early elections as to avoid the responsibility of implementing tough reforms and “threw the ball” to their political opponents. Today, Kyriakos Mitsotakis must be ready to ensure convincingly EPP that he is both able to put ND back in power and fulfil real reforms in Greek political and economic field.

On the other hand, Kyriakos Mitsotakis draws the attention of European Social Democrats that now seem to be a bit more reserved after a favored attitude to Alexis Tsipras. The latter is considered to be “a lost case” and they could never overcome his collaboration with ANEL and Panos Kammenos, as stated to EBR by an S&D MEP that likes to keep anonymity. After that, it seems that the Alliance of European Christian Democrats and Social Democrats will support the newly-elected ND leader as well as his efforts to turn Greece into a strong European pole based on reforms.   

In addition, there are signs that the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) will also support him – especially after Theodoros Skylakakis’ intention to collaborate with the ND President right after his election, a liberal politician who keeps close relationships with ALDE as well.

As it is, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be given far more chances and possibilities for fruitful debt relief negotiations – if he holds the power in future - than Alexis Tsipras nowadays whose attitude towards creditors is described by many as unreliable. 

Europe is now expecting the first steps of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In fact, no delays can be noted as 2016 is probably going to be another harsh year for Greece.