# Samaras launches new party amid ND political friction

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antonis-samaras-political-push-in-greece
> Updated: 2026-08-09T08:16:51.000Z. Sources: 70. Developments: 24.

Former prime minister Antonis Samaras has transitioned from proposing a new center-right movement to officially founding a new political party. Throughout July 2026, tensions with New Democracy (ND) escalated as Samaras released videos criticizing the party's leadership and taunting MP Dora Bakoyanni. ND officials, including Deputy PM Kostis Chatzidakis and spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, responded by dismissing the movement as a minor threat or a personal agenda, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pursued a strategy to isolate Samaras politically.

By mid-July, Samaras formally launched his party. Early polling showed support ranging from 2.5% to 5%, though some surveys indicated that up to 27% of former ND voters might consider his movement. Samaras has also pursued legal action regarding the Predator wire-tapping scandal, a move that has caused internal friction within ND. He has used the anniversary of the restoration of Greek democracy to criticize the current political system, citing concerns over democratic decline and external threats like Turkish expansionism.

As of August, Samaras's team plans to officially announce the party in September. This accelerated timeline is driven by positive polling—with some data suggesting combined support could reach double digits—and the possibility of an early election call. ND continues to monitor potential losses among its right-wing base, particularly in the Peloponnese.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Antonis Samaras to announce new political party in September

Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras plans to announce his new political party in September, following rising support in recent opinion polls and potential shifts in the Greek political landscape.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-to-announce-new-political-party-in-september

### 2026-08-02: Antonis Samaras moves toward new party as Greece's New Democracy outlines 2030 agenda

Antonis Samaras prepares a new party as New Democracy's Akis Skertses unveils a 2030 agenda focused on housing and economic reforms, while criticizing opposition leader Alexis Tsipras.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-moves-toward-new-party-as-greeces-new-democracy-outlines-2030-agenda

### 2026-07-25: Antonis Samaras' prospective new party threatens New Democracy's vote share in Greece

Antonis Samaras is planning a new party that could pull 5‑12% of votes from New Democracy, prompting ND to assess potential electoral losses ahead of Greece's next elections.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-prospective-new-party-threatens-new-democracys-vote-share-in-greece

### 2026-07-23: Antonis Samaras warns of democratic decline on Greece's 52nd anniversary

Antonis Samaras condemned democratic erosion on Greece's 52nd anniversary, urging reflection, while President Tasoulas praised institutional stability; Samaras is also preparing a new party that may sway voters

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-launches-new-party-as-support-among-nd-voters-rises

### 2026-07-16: New Democracy seeks to isolate former PM Antonis Samaras ahead of elections

New Democracy is working to politically isolate ex‑PM Antonis Samaras to block his vote share ahead of the 2027 Greek elections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-democracy-seeks-to-isolate-former-pm-antonis-samaras-ahead-of-elections

### 2026-07-12: Antonis Samaras Gears Up New Party as ND Faces Internal Strife

Antonis Samaras is preparing a new party, drafting ballots that list former ND figures, while his legal challenge over wire‑tapping fuels tension within New Democracy and could draw 27% of its recent voters.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-gears-up-new-party-as-nd-faces-internal-strife

### 2026-07-11: Antonis Samaras launches new party, poll shows 2‑5% support in Greece

Antonis Samaras has created a new party that polls at 2‑5% in Greece, potentially pulling votes from New Democracy and influencing future coalition talks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-launches-new-party-poll-shows-25-support-in-greece

### 2026-07-06: Antonis Samaras' Possible New Party Seen as Minor Threat to New Democracy, Says Deputy PM Kostis Chatzidakis

Deputy PM Kostis Chatzidakis warned that Antonis Samaras forming a new party would only slightly hurt New Democracy, stressing unity and outlining the government’s 2030 plan ahead of elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-possible-new-party-seen-as-minor-threat-to-new-democracy-says-deputy-pm-kostis-chatz

### 2026-07-06: Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis attacks Samaras and Tsipras in latest political remarks

Gov’t spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis rebuked Samaras and Tsipras, defended New Democracy’s poll standing, and warned against a new Samaras party.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-government-spokesperson-pavlos-marinakis-attacks-samaras-and-tsipras-in-latest-political-remar

### 2026-07-05: Antonis Samaras attacks ND and Dora Bakoyanni in new videos, sparking political row

Antonis Samaras’ new videos accuse ND of losing support and taunt Dora Bakoyanni; she rebuts, while the government dismisses the posts as personal attacks amid tight election polls.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-slams-greek-government-and-dora-bakoyannis-in-new-videos

### 2026-07-03: Greek Government Spokesperson Warns Samaras Party Move Could Justify His Expulsion

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinas said Samaras forming a new party would justify his expulsion and warned New Democracy would not become a New Left or DIMAR, stressing internal criticism should stay within

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-government-spokesperson-warns-samaras-party-move-could-justify-his-expulsion

### 2026-07-03: Antonis Samaras' moves spark tensions within Greece's New Democracy

Former PM Antonis Samaras is preparing a new party, meeting ND MPs, while govt Vice‑President Chatzidakis warns any new party won’t gain traction, sparking tension in Greece’s ruling New Democracy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-moves-spark-tensions-within-greeces-new-democracy

### 2026-07-02: Antonis Samaras attacks Alexis Tsipras, warns of political turmoil

Antonis Samaras condemned Alexis Tsipras and the Prespes deal, while government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis warned a Samaras‑led party would justify his ouster.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-attacks-alexis-tsipras-warns-of-political-turmoil

### 2026-06-26: Antonis Samaras recruits former ND officials for upcoming Greek party

Antonis Samaras is recruiting former ND members and other right‑leaning politicians for a new Greek party, gaining poll traction and stirring internal ND tension.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-expands-contacts-for-new-greek-political-party

### 2026-06-25: Kostas Karamanlis unlikely to appear with Antonis Samaras as Greek government lauds former premier

Kostas Karamanlis is unlikely to appear with Antonis Samaras; the government praises his iconic status while avoiding joint events that could spark opposition criticism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kostas-karamanlis-unlikely-to-appear-with-antonis-samaras-as-greek-government-lauds-former-premier

### 2026-06-20: Antonis Samaras launches new centre‑right party amid criticism from his daughter

Antonis Samaras is forming a new centre‑right party with 21 senior figures, while his daughter Alexia Evr... publicly condemns the move as unacceptable.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-launches-new-centreright-party-amid-criticism-from-his-daughter

### 2026-06-18: Antónis Samara moves toward new Greek party amid criticism from Alexia Everett

Former PM Antónis Samara is quietly organizing a new party with ex‑ministers and MPs ahead of upcoming elections, while Alexia Everett publicly says she cannot trust him and warns of political fallout.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antnis-samara-moves-toward-new-greek-party-amid-criticism-from-alexia-everett

### 2026-06-15: Former Greek PM Antonis Samaras Prepares New Party Ahead of Elections

Antonis Samaras says he will soon launch a new Greek party, detailing tax cuts and broader reforms while hinting at early elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-greek-pm-antonis-samaras-prepares-new-party-ahead-of-elections

### 2026-06-12: Haris Theocharis says Samaras' new party would be a “second betrayal”

Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theocharis said a new party by ex‑PM Antonis Samaras would be a “second betrayal”, warning it would damage New Democracy and the nation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haris-theocharis-says-samaras-new-party-would-be-a-second-betrayal

### 2026-06-07: Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras to Launch New Political Party

Antonis Samaras plans to launch a new centre‑right party in Greece, citing a representation gap and targeting former New Democracy voters; polls show ~11 % support.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-greek-prime-minister-antonis-samaras-to-launch-new-political-party

### 2026-06-05: Antonis Samaras hints at new party in Crete, attacks Mitsotakis

Former PM Antonis Samaras in Crete warned of a political void, attacked Mitsotakis, and hinted he may launch a new party, stressing he won’t retire from public life.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-hints-at-new-party-in-crete-attacks-mitsotakis

### 2026-06-05: Antonis Samaras urges a national plan and tougher stance on Turkey at Crete forum

Antonis Samaras, speaking in Crete, called for a national plan, tax cuts for SMEs, and a tougher EU response to Turkey’s Aegean claims, while warning of over‑tourism and criticised current economic policies.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-urges-a-national-plan-and-tougher-stance-on-turkey-at-crete-forum

### 2026-06-05: Former Greek PM Antonis Samaras hints at new party during Crete talk

Former PM Antonis Samaras, speaking in Crete, met the regional governor and hinted at founding a new party, saying “we’ll tell you in the afternoon,” while criticizing the current government.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-greek-pm-antonis-samaras-hints-at-new-party-during-crete-talk

### 2026-06-05: Antonis Samaras hints at founding new party and attacks Mitsotakis government

Antonis Samaras warned of Greece’s political crisis, criticised New Democracy’s policies, and hinted at launching a new party to attract disaffected voters.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-greek-pm-antonis-samaras-signals-possible-new-party-criticises-new-democracy

---
Cite as: Samaras launches new party amid ND political friction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antonis-samaras-political-push-in-greece
