By Penelope Galliou

While the pre-election time is counting down and the parties from battle positions are now drawing up their plans, a parallel struggle is given in the background by the party staffs for the conduct of the debates between the political leaders. A case that, before even being discussed in the competent inter-party committee that touches on all matters concerning the elections and their smooth conduct, is another element of aggravation and confrontation, mainly between ND and SYRIZA, opening a side debate, for the debate of the two gladiators Mitsotakis – Tsipras.

The debate has long been open on his part SYRIZA who was quick to challenge and invite Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a televised duel for two, with Alexis Tsipras. However, the government’s institutional treatment of the “challenge” and the position that all the political leaders of the parliamentary parties should participate in the debate, led to further pressure from Koumoundourou and a remote debate between the representatives of the two parties .

Therefore, in view of the meeting of the inter-party committee, under the acting Minister of the Interior Kalliopi Spanou, Popi Tsapanidou, brought back the request for a televised match between Mitsotakis-Tsipras and also a second teleconference with all the political leaders, provoking the reaction of the government representative Akis Skertsou.

“A telephone battle of the leaders of the political parties will take place during the pre-election period. The Prime Minister has positioned himself in favor of this solution. We want a telebattle with the parties represented in the Parliament, this is what is democratically mandated, the views of all parties must be heard and also the SYRIZA should explain to us the inconsistency of its position that it is in favor of cooperation governments but wants a debate between the two leaders,” commented Mr. Skertsos, confirming the government’s position on the issue and provoking a new round of confrontation with the SYRIZA representative.

“Mr. Skertsos confirmed today what we had predicted since yesterday. That Mr. Mitsotakis, once again, is putting it at the feet of the televised confrontation with Alexis Tsipras“, was the comment of Popis Tsapanidou, adding that “It is obvious that Mr. Mitsotakis, who constantly says that the dilemma of the elections is “Mitsotakis or Tsipras”, is afraid of the comparison with Alexis Tsipras”.

Of course, a similar argument has been developed by the government side, reversing the shots and emphasizing that although Alexis Tsipras seeks a co-government, he does not seek to face off on television with his potential co-governors.

A challenge that although Alexis Tsipras mentioned the issue in his speech in Kos, he avoided answering, instead insisting on attacking the prime minister claiming that he is afraid of the televised confrontation with him. ” So Mr. Mitsotakis is right to be afraid. He is so afraid that he does not dare to come to a televised confrontation. He does not dare to confront me face to face. On one hand he says that the dilemma of the elections is Mitsotakis or Tsipras and on the other he hides. He wants to be glorified in hiding. Or rather being incensed by the journalists of his liking,” said the president of SYRIZA.

THE SW, however, is expected according to information to come to the meeting of the relevant inter-party committee appearing positive to the possibility of a telephone battle between the leaders of the political parties represented in the Parliament. But, as emphasized, even for this discussion there should be an agreement on rules that will ensure a lively dialogue. With regard to the possibility of a telephone battle between Mitsotakis-Tsipras, the Maximos Palace does not appear positive as it is estimated that since Alexis Tsipras proposes a “progressive government” or a “government of the defeated” as a rival to the ND, it is important to hear the position of the other leaders, to whom the president of SYRIZA addresses a call.

Positive in conducting one debate with all the leaders of the parties represented in Parliament ahead of the elections, PASOK also stated that “ND and SYRIZA are permanently oriented in a self-referential battle for their personal political survival”. However, he added that “PASOK-Movement for Change is positive in holding a debate with all the political leaders of the parties, who are represented in the Greek parliament, in order for the citizens to compare programmatic positions and proposals”.