Antonis Samaras warns of democratic decline on Greece's 52nd anniversary

Former prime minister Antonis Samaras used the 52nd anniversary of the 1974 restoration of Greek democracy to issue a stark critique of the current political system. He praised former president Constantine Karamanlis for restoring democracy and joining the European Economic Community, but warned that today "democracy without popular participation is crippled" and that the undermining of institutions, an economy that benefits only a few, growing social discontent, problems in education and agriculture, and the de‑valuation of work and safety threaten the democratic order. Samaras also highlighted external pressures, describing Turkish revisionism and expansionism, the ongoing division of Cyprus, persecution of Christians in Syria, and negative developments in the Sinai monastery as sources of “national pessimism.” He called for a day of national reflection rather than celebration.

President K. Tasoulas also marked the anniversary, emphasizing the maturity and resilience of Greece’s democratic institutions and reaffirming the country’s claim to a just, sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue. In parallel, reports indicate that Samaras is preparing to launch a new political party, with organizers working to assemble candidates and electoral platforms ahead of the autumn elections, a move that could attract dissatisfied New Democracy voters.

Collectively, the statements underscore internal critiques of governance, reinforce concerns over external threats, and signal potential shifts in Greece’s partisan landscape ahead of upcoming polls.