Major parties seeking fresh impetus

Local elections frequently take on the characteristics of a referendum and serve as a platform to convey a message that voters wish to express.

The October local elections will come just three and a half months after the second national election, so the imprint on the ballot box is fresh. However, the battle of impressions that will also come from these elections remains especially essential for party staff.

Attica is regarded as a barometer, with Nikos Hardalias supported by the ruling New Democracy, Giorgos Ioakimidis by SYRIZA, and Giannis Sgouros by PASOK. 

Conservative ND, which won all areas except Crete in the previous election, is seeking a repetition of its strong showing. However, "rebel" candidates, particularly in the North Aegean and Western Macedonia, are posing a challenge. The Peloponnese is a case in point, as Petros Tatoulis' candidature is...