The local EPP affiliates of New Democracy in Greece are currently leading in the polls leading up to the European elections. Despite most ruling parties in the EU facing losses, the centre-right government in Greece, led by Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitsotakis, is maintaining its popularity according to the Euronews superpoll. The current government is expected to maintain its position ahead of the EU elections in June, with Nea Demokratia leading the polls among Greek citizens. The distance between Nea Demokratia and their leftist and centre-left antagonists, including Syriza and PASOK, is significant, with Nea Demokratia holding a strong lead.
The moderate conservatives of Nea Demokratia are positioned at the forefront of the polls, with a clear lead over their leftist and centre-left competitors. Syriza and PASOK, who are currently positioned at second and third place, are engaged in an electoral competition with each other. The PASOK has lost the second position compared to earlier polls in March, but the battle between the leftist forces is still ongoing. The KKE, the Greek Communist Party, are also participating as a minority dark horse in the left’s internecine battle. The Greek political landscape is fragmented at the EU parliament level, with each party aligned with different political groups.
In terms of representation in the EU parliament, Nea Demokratia is expected to provide an additional seat to the EPP. Syriza and the Greek communists are likely to retain their four seats in the European Left benches, while PASOK is expected to contribute three MEPs to the Social and Democrats group. The Greek Solution party is also projected to grow and contribute two MEPs to the European Conservatives and Reformers Group. The far-right Spartans movement, which has been endorsed by a leading jailed member of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, has been excluded from the ballot for the upcoming EU elections.
Despite allegations of mismanagement by some members of Nea Demokratia related to the train crash of Tempe Valley, the ruling party has maintained its popularity leading up to the European elections. Additionally, the candidacy of Fredi Beleri, an ethnic Greek Albanian mayor detained for corruption, could potentially impact the election. If Mr. Beleri garners enough votes, he will receive parliamentary immunity, sparking a patriotic campaign that could potentially lead to tensions between Greece and Albania. The success of Nea Demokratia in the polls has defied expectations, with the ruling party expected to perform well in the upcoming EU elections regardless of potential challenges.
