Karamanlis to stay out of elections despite speculation

Speculation is rife in Greek political circles regarding the electoral future of Kostas Ach. Karamanlis. Following the archiving of nine out of thirteen cases linked to the OPAPKEP investigation, rumors suggested Karamanlis, who had publicly stated he would not seek re-election, might reconsider his stance.

These rumors were fueled by the New Democracy party's perceived need to bolster its electoral ticket, particularly in Macedonia, a region facing significant challenges. The narrative suggested that with his involvement in the case no longer a direct impediment, Karamanlis could be a valuable asset.

However, despite the 'smoke' of speculation, sources close to the situation indicate there is no 'fire.' Karamanlis's absence from a recent parliamentary group meeting further suggests he is already operating outside the parliamentary sphere. Information points to his decision to withdraw from the New Democracy lists as definitive.

Separately, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's recent remarks about reforms that "will yield results gradually" and his assertion that elections will occur in 2027, suggest a long-term vision. This implies that initiatives announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair will be more evident by the spring of 2027 than in the autumn of 2026, a detail not lost on political observers.