ND anniversary party highlights divisions

Ruling New Democracy celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday on a day that was supposed to symbolize unity but was marred by the conspicuous absence of two former prime ministers, Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras. 

The gathering took place outside the party's historic headquarters on Rigillis Street, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed party members, striving to project an image of solidarity in the face of rising internal tensions.

Despite personal invitations from Mitsotakis, both Karamanlis and Samaras chose not to attend the festivities, a decision that has profound implications for the party's cohesion. Their absence comes on the heels of recent public criticism aimed at the government, suggesting a deepening rift that has emerged over the last several months. What was intended to be a jubilant celebration instead illuminated the fractures...