Karamanlis rules out presidential role

Former prime minister Kostas Karamanlis decisively ruled out any possibility of running for the presidency of Greece, following recent speculation fueled by ex-PM Antonis Samaras. 

Speaking at a book presentation in Patra, Karamanlis emphasized, "While the suggestion honors me, I must clarify that the matter neither concerns nor interests me."

Karamanlis also distanced himself from Samaras' recent expulsion from the New Democracy party, subtly criticizing the move.

"Divergent opinions, even intense criticism, should not be demonized. Nor should they be dealt with through disciplinary measures, which only make the necessary national unity to support the national strategy more difficult," he stated. His comments were widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, suggesting the decision weakened the party's cohesion.