In June 2023, Greece’s political landscape was marked by significant shifts as the nation prepared for a second round of national elections following the results of the May elections. The right-wing New Democracy (ND) party, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, secured a decisive victory in the May election but fell short of forming an outright majority due to electoral reforms introduced by the opposition party, Syriza, in 2016. This has set the stage for a second election on June 25, 2023, which is expected to allow ND to solidify its mandate and form a government.
The May elections delivered a crushing defeat for Syriza, the left-wing party that once represented Greece’s anti-austerity movement. Syriza, which had been in opposition since 2019, saw its support plummet, securing only 20 percent of the vote compared to ND’s overwhelming lead. The gap between the two parties, a full 20-point difference, was far wider than pre-election polls had predicted. Syriza’s collapse at the polls has sent shockwaves through the left, both in Greece and across Europe.
The May results reflected a broader trend in Greek politics: the continued dominance of neoliberal policies under Mitsotakis, who has run on a platform of stability and economic recovery. Mitsotakis pointed to the country’s economic growth, which saw a 5.9 percent increase in GDP in 2022, as evidence of his administration’s success. Much of this growth was attributed to the return of tourism and European Union recovery funds. However, inflation has undermined these gains, and Greek workers have seen their purchasing power eroded, with wages unable to keep pace with rising costs. This has led to growing inequality, a hallmark of New Democracy’s first term, as workers and renters bear the brunt of the economic fallout.
Under Mitsotakis, Greece has also experienced significant privatizations in key sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The tax system, which disproportionately burdens the working class with consumption taxes while keeping capital gains and dividends taxes low, has contributed to widening disparities in wealth distribution. Furthermore, ND’s law-and-order approach has led to increased criminalization of refugees and migrants, with reports of illegal pushbacks at sea and on land. Corruption scandals, including accusations of spyware being used by the government to target political opponents, have raised concerns about the state of democracy in Greece.
Despite these issues, ND enjoyed strong backing from powerful media outlets, banks, and business interests, which helped to paint a picture of economic recovery and stability. This narrative, coupled with Syriza’s failure to offer a compelling alternative, allowed ND to dominate the elections. Syriza, once the electoral vehicle of the anti-austerity movement and a symbol of resistance to the Troika’s austerity measures, has struggled to maintain its relevance. In recent years, the party has attempted to shift toward the center, adopting a strategy of pragmatism in an effort to broaden its appeal to middle-class voters. This strategy has backfired, leaving Syriza unable to galvanize its traditional working-class base while failing to attract new supporters.
In the wake of the May election, Syriza has been forced to reevaluate its approach. The party is now campaigning on a platform focused on justice and prosperity for all, while attempting to renew its internal structures by introducing younger candidates, more women, and representatives from marginalized communities. However, it faces an uphill battle against a resurgent PASOK, the center-left party, and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), both of which have gained ground at Syriza’s expense.
The outcome of the June election is poised to shape the future of Greek politics for years to come. If New Democracy secures a strong majority, it is likely to continue its neoliberal agenda, with further privatizations and deepening inequality. Mitsotakis’s victory would also be seen as a triumph for right-wing populism, with implications for the broader European political landscape, where far-right parties have been gaining ground.
Syriza’s defeat, meanwhile, serves as a warning for the European left, which has struggled to counter the rise of neoliberalism and right-wing populism. The failure of Syriza’s centrist strategy underscores the need for a more radical, unified left that can offer a real alternative to the status quo. Without a new strategy, the left risks continued marginalization in the face of growing authoritarianism and inequality.
In conclusion, the June 2023 elections in Greece mark a critical moment in the country’s political history. With New Democracy poised to secure a second term, the stakes for Greece’s working class, migrants, and marginalized communities are higher than ever. The outcome of these elections will determine whether Greece continues on its current neoliberal path or if a renewed left can emerge to challenge the status quo and fight for a more just and equitable society.