The government enters the pre-election period with two central issues from today. In accordance with Maximos Palacequestion about energy and, accordingly, the economy and, of course, the aggravation Greek-Turkish There will be two main questions government will be called upon to manage successfully before the popular vote, so as not to lose the safety distance that seems to separate him today from the second party in all polls.

Energy first. According to government sources, this is a major issue for the government and citizens, which is reflected in all dimensions. “If this is successfully handled, then the New Democracy can claim to be self-sufficient” says government official “K”., which views the management of the energy crisis as a paramount issue for society. On the contrary, if the response is unsuccessful, then the risks of poll backtracking are more than obvious, which complicates the political scene.

The concern of the government apparatus about the weakness of the EU. collectively solve the problems caused by the jump in natural gas prices.

The difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that at the moment Europe does not dare to put a cap, which shifts the burden on national governments, which are constantly looking for solutions from national resources. The government’s goal is to ensure that the measures it is taking – and likely to be expanded in the future – keep prices down, while a big thorn in the side energy crisis is accuracy. Since the causes of the problem cannot be eliminated, the government is also focusing on strengthening market liquidity. Yesterday’s request from Athens for Commissionto receive a second payment from Recovery Fund, in the amount of 2 billion euros, shows that the government wants to throw “hot” money into the market, which, however, undoubtedly needs its time. Therefore, the elections will take place, as far as possible, towards the end of the term. The Greek government has even applied to receive by the end of the year – instead of mid-2023 – the 3rd installment of loan payments in the amount of 1.6 billion euros. The plan is clear: price containment through government support and liquidity in the market are a dual strategy the government is banking on to get through the tough winter.

Great strain on relations with Turkey – the second parameter that will shape the political climate before the elections. There has been a clear escalation of tension from Ankara lately, and Athens is rightfully wary of even an acute episode — the Imian type — that Mr. Erdogan estimates he sees inside as a decompression valve. If the tension remains at the level of rhetoric, as Athens would like, we will be led to the elections according to the scenario we know.

Everything will change if Erdogan decides to cross the Rubicon and escalate on the ground. Athens does not want this, hence Mr. Mitsotakis’ reports that Greece does not pose a threat to Turkey. If Ankara decides to go forward, then the Armed Forces are ready to defend national sovereignty.