By Dora Antoniou

The few days’ rest of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Chania is discounted by many as the critical time for a series of decisions that in their estimation are pending. There is certainly the issue of the Presidential election, which has a specific timetable, which Mr. Mitsotakis made it even more specific, as he posted the announcement of his decision right after mid-January. The dance of names continues well, as the rumors about possible preferences of the prime minister seem to be constantly enriched with new faces. From his close staff, however, they report that he has not shared his thoughts and that the names that are heard mainly concern suggestions that he has received from some or possible options that they put on the table while talking to journalists, government and party officials.

It seems, however, as more and more government officials estimate recently, that the chances of a factional choice are narrowing and, on the contrary, the prospect of a candidacy that will seek broader consensus, which also reflects the nature of the institution of the Presidency of the Republic, is being strengthened. It is this assessment that has brought the possibility of a new candidacy of Katerina Sakellaropoulou to the fore recently. An experienced ND party official, however, points out that the references to the renewal of her mandate were not made by the prime minister’s staff.

The other big issue, very important for those concerned, is the assessment that Mr. Mitsotakis will take advantage of these days and the distance from the daily government friction to evaluate the government officials. Rumors of a reshuffle have been around for some time. In fact, there were not a few who believed that changes could be made in the government scheme even before the end of the year. Those most experienced in government affairs, however, consistently report that any changes will be made after the Presidential election. Their argument, not without basis, is that changes in the government structure always cause dissatisfaction: of those who are removed from the government but also of those who expect a ministry and ultimately their expectation is not confirmed. And grievances could be expressed in the Presidential election. On the contrary, the prospect of restructuring after the election of the President of the Republic probably strengthens party discipline and support for the candidacy that will be announced.

As for the necessity of a reshuffle, government sources insist that areas of government work where lagging have been identified have already been identified and that corrective interventions will be made. As the same sources point out, since the main objective is not to consolidate the image of a decline in the N.D.’s percentages, but for the ruling party to succeed in reversing the deterioration seen in the European elections, it is crucial to correct any “arrhythmias” as soon as possible » have been identified. The reference to “correction” predisposes rather to small-scale interventions than to major changes in the governmental scheme. After all, Mr. Mitsotakis has shown that he is not in favor of radical changes, which may cause more disruption than the problems they seek to correct.