Senior figures in Greece’s ruling New Democracy party are considering calling an early election this autumn rather than waiting until 2027, as concerns grow over declining support and the rise of a new opposition force.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has publicly insisted he will complete his full term, saying “elections will be held in spring of 2027, as scheduled.” However, party officials told POLITICO discussions are underway about a possible vote in late September or October.
The debate comes as New Democracy’s support has fallen since its 2023 election victory, amid cost-of-living pressures, an EU funds fraud scandal and criticism over the government’s handling of the country’s worst rail disaster.
New Democracy remains ahead in polling, with POLITICO’s Poll of Polls placing it on 30 per cent, while the newly formed Elas party of former prime minister Alexis Tsipras sits second on 16 per cent.
One senior government official said Mitsotakis had asked ministries to complete their work by late August “so that he can have the option of early elections.”
Another New Democracy official said: “Several government officials have advised Mitsotakis to bring elections forward so that the opposition doesn’t have time to re-organise itself.”
A final decision is expected after summer, with any early election likely to follow Mitsotakis’ speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair in September, where he could announce financial measures such as tax cuts and support packages.
The government has also made recent moves seen as preparing for an election, including a cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of Konstantinos Kyranakis as New Democracy’s secretary general.
Opposition party Pasok has repeatedly called for an early vote, with leader Nikos Androulakis saying: “Our country will only escape this dystopia through elections.”
Elas has also signalled that corruption will be central to its campaign, stating: “The next election, whenever it takes place, will present a clear choice: corruption or integrity.”
