Skip to main content

Mitsotakis Rumored to Seek European Council Presidency in 2026

Recent speculation in Greek political circles suggests that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis may bid farewell to Megaro Maximou, the Greek Prime Minister's office, in 2026 to pursue the presidency of the European Council. These reports, though unconfirmed by official sources, have gained traction in media outlets aligned with both the Greek political right and opposition parties.

According to political analysts, Mitsotakis faces mounting challenges domestically. The aftermath of massive demonstrations commemorating the Tempi train accident has significantly impacted his New Democracy party. While recent polls indicate that New Democracy maintains its position as the leading party with a considerable lead over its competitors, its overall percentage has reached historically low levels, creating uncertainty about the party's ability to secure an independent majority in the scheduled 2027 elections.

The Rumors

Banking News, a Greek financial news site, reports that Mitsotakis may be preparing for this transition by strategically positioning his close ally, Kostis Hatzidakis, as his potential successor to lead New Democracy. Political observers note that Mitsotakis appears to be protecting Hatzidakis by moving him away from the Ministry of Finance to a more secure position within the government, possibly as deputy prime minister with oversight of multiple ministries.

"The Prime Minister's plans might include an earlier departure than the scheduled 2027 elections if New Democracy's popularity continues to decline," writes columnist Maximilianos in Banking News, adding that "Mitsotakis has effectively given the succession ring to Kostis Hatzidakis."

Meanwhile, Money and Life magazine suggests that recent political maneuvers by Mitsotakis indicate he may not be interested in pursuing a third term as Prime Minister. "What Prime Minister wouldn't want to be re-elected? One who has other, more ambitious plans," the publication speculates, noting that his choices seem designed to maintain control until 2026 rather than building coalitions for future governance.

The Factor of Dendias

Any potential departure would set the stage for a leadership contest within New Democracy, with Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias emerging as Hatzidakis's main rival. Dendias, reportedly the most popular minister in the current government, has maintained significant distance from the administration's positions on several key issues.

These reports remain speculative, with no official confirmation from either Mitsotakis's office or European Union sources. The Prime Minister himself has publicly stated that he intends to lead his party into the 2027 elections.


The Prestigious European Council Presidency

The European Council presidency, currently held by Portugal's António Costa whose term expires in 2026, represents one of the most influential positions in the European Union. As president, Costa chairs meetings of EU national leaders, drives the EU's political agenda, and represents the Union in global forums alongside other top EU officials. Costa, a former Portuguese Prime Minister, assumed the role in December 2024 following Charles Michel. The position has gained significant importance in recent years as the EU navigates complex challenges including migration policy, climate change initiatives, evolving relationships with global powers, and geopolitical instability in Europe's neighborhood.

(NS)

Photo: Primeminister.gr

Popular posts from this blog

Sovereignty as Spectacle: Turkish Cypriot Researcher Critiques Grand Opening of the Northern Cyprus New "Republican Campus"

On Saturday, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not recognized internationally, officially launched its new "Republican Campus." The first construction phase features the new Presidential Building and Parliament Building, inaugurated during a grand ceremony attended by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Dubbed by critics as a "show of sovereignty," the event, alongside the concurrent Teknofest technology festival, has drawn criticism from Turkish Cypriot researcher-writer Mete Hatay for its political undertones and symbolic messaging. Hatay, a noted peace researcher affiliated with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), argues that the openings were not merely about inaugurating buildings but about constructing symbols of dominance under the guise of sovereignty. Hatay describes the events as meticulously staged platforms for political agendas. "Today in Northern Cyprus, it wasn't just buildings that were opened; symbols w...

Cyprus Archbishop's Easter Message Lost in Translation, Sparking Controversy

A mistranslation of Cyprus' Orthodox Archbishop Georgios' Easter message has ignited a new wave of tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the divided island. Turkish Cypriot media outlets reported that the Archbishop called for "expelling the Turks and saving the homeland," prompting swift condemnation from Turkish Cypriot political figures, including opposition leader Tufan Erhürman. According to Kıbrıs Postası 's bulletin published on April 20, 2025, Archbishop Georgios issued an Easter message urging "Greece, Southern Cyprus, and all Hellenism to make a coordinated effort to expel the Turks and save the homeland." The report further claimed the Archbishop stated there was "no possibility of making any more concessions" in the current situation. In response, Tufan Erhürman , leader of the social democrat Republican Turkish Party (CTP), issued a strongly-worded statement criticizing what he called "discriminatory and pr...

Is Turkey's New Rising Political Star's Future in Danger?

In a development that could dramatically alter Turkey's political landscape, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's presidential ambitions face a serious challenge as pro-government sources report his university diploma may soon be invalidated. According to prominent pro-government journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, Istanbul University is expected to complete a report today that could lead to the cancellation of Imamoglu's diploma, effectively disqualifying him from running for president of Turkey. Critical Findings in University Investigation The investigation centers around allegations that Imamoglu's lateral transfer from American University of Kyrenia to Istanbul University violated educational regulations. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has already issued a report claiming that American University of Kyrenia was not recognized by YÖK at the time Imamoglu made his transfer. "Istanbul University's investigation has been completed, and the...