Inviting George Tsuni to dinner with the official leader of the opposition, Alexis Tsipras, at the embassy residence is interesting in all respects. Also present was Vangelis Kalpadakis, a close diplomatic adviser to the President of SYRIZA, who reported that the atmosphere was excellent. Obviously, the ambassador also had a twofold goal: on the one hand, after the last numerous contacts with the “blue” officials, he wanted to balance the pendulum, on the other hand, he wanted to change the political climate in the other direction, as dictated by his position.

Assignment not possible

Kyriakos Mitsotakis was the first to announce the possibility of meeting with Erdogan at TIF. Then, in response to Q’s question, he said that “there are opportunities in the coming months” (for a meeting), adding that “Prague is hosting the first meeting of the European Political Community, to which Turkey is likely to be invited. I wouldn’t mind such an invitation.” The possibility of a meeting in Prague was strengthened by Kalin’s report. That’s all. The continuous escalation of Turkish rhetoric and what the prime minister told the cabinet yesterday they “closed” in the current conditions any possibility for a four-four.

flirting

Italian league No. 2 Giancarlo Giorgetti, who is expected to be government partner of the new Italian government, has been flirting heavily with the EPP. This is reported by the Italian media, noting that Giorgetti is leading an open line with Manfred Weber, who is seeking to join the People’s Party. It is not easy, but as information it has its value.

Hardalias and Byron

From European ones I turn to very local ones. There are certain municipalities in Attica that, due to serious clashes in the previous elections between the “blue” leaders, ended up in the hands of SYRIZA. One such example is Baironas, the seat of Nikos Hardalia, where the Blues did it… lettuce and the municipality ended up in Dimitris Katopodis of SYRIZA. In order not to repeat this phenomenon, Piraeus focused on the completely new candidacy of Chronis Akritides, who had been a parliamentary candidate in Kozani in previous elections. The main reason for the selection is to not involve Nikos Hardalias as his involvement fuels old local rivalries. Similar patterns are being sought in other municipalities that New Democracy wants to bring back.