The 10th anniversary of the “hot” summer of 2015 brings back to mind in its scenes referendumbut at the same time constitutes a sufficient time to declassify critical information on the political backdrops of those critical days, in which Greece came closer than ever to the euro. And in fact, the interest is focused on the decisions made by Alexis Tsiprasbut also in the dialogues of the Council of Political Leaders who convened the day after the referendum, but few have been said in more detail about how New Democracy It was “held” after the heavy defeat of “yes”.
As for the inner backstage of ND, it is known that the Dora Bakoyannis had called two days before the referendum on Antonis Samaras And seeing the course of things in favor of NO had warned him that he should resign. More backstage in the backdrop of Antonis Samaras’ succession than Vangelis Meimaraki It ensured that the country would also have an opposition to “back” the government brings to light the book by journalist Nikos Stefos (Aeth’s Bookstore editions, with Theodoros Roussopoulos). And this is because Meimarakis had to be convinced to take over the reins, given that his political friends at those critical hours advised him not to give a white check to Tsipras.
The Samarra phone call
On the night of NO’s big victory, Antonis Samaras is in his office at the offices of ND then on Syngrou Avenue. After 20:00 he invites Vangelis Meimarakis, who was at the home of the director of Sotiris Koromantzou’s office.
- The Samara-Meimaraki dialogue is listed
- Saddler: “As you understand, these results do not allow me to remain a leader. We found a formula here with my associates and so I will appoint you Vice -President based on the right given to me by the Articles of Association. Standing out by the President and after you have been appointed by me Vice President, you will become a temporary president with the power to move the election procedures of the election of the President …
- Meimarakis: “My Antony, he honors me what you tell me but I have to stress that I didn’t ask for it.”
- Saddler: “I know. But I suggest it … »Meimarakis: Yes, you suggest it to me but I not only did not claim it but also when we have huge national problems we cannot go to a temporary president with the sole responsibility of the election of the President. So I think it’s better not to make a hasty decision but to go to a parliamentary group where we decide what to do. “
- Saddler: “Not Vangelis. You are the best and most appropriate to take over now. You were a successful Speaker of the House, everyone respects you in Greece and you are appreciated and abroad … “
- Meimarakis: “I think it is preferable to stay president and take the procedures for the election of the new president.”
Shortly afterwards, Samaras announces his resignation from television. At the same time, Tsipras makes contacts for the convening of a Council of Political Leaders the next day, but he does not find anyone from the ND. THE Prokopis Pavlopoulos He then undertakes to invite Antonis Samaras, who tells him that his resignation is definitive and that he appoints a temporary president of Meimarakis. Meimarakis, however, has not yet accepted, and according to what is described in the book, he listens to his friends at his manager’s home telling him that Samaras is going to load the burdens of a dissolved party. Of those given, Vangelis Meimarakis chooses to call him Kostas Karamanlis.
Meimaraki-Karamanlis phone calls and prompt Pavlopoulos
- Karamanlis: Since Antonis insists on leaving and looks determined, then you can only accept, you have no other solution
- Meimarakis: Yes but I don’t want to be elected with a ring. “I prefer to go first to a Central Committee that is the top party between two conferences and to elect that president
- Karamanlis: The Vangelis party cannot remain headless. You have to move quickly.
And while Meimarakis has not decided, he receives a phone call from Prokopis Pavlopoulos, who informs him of the Council of Political Heads of the next. But in him, Meimarakis says he has not decided whether to take over the reins of the ND under the proposed regime.
Meimarakis: Let me tell you then that I have not yet accepted Samaras’ proposal and therefore I am not a leader! Pavlopoulos: But the council is not made tomorrow because there will be a loss in the country! We’ll get out of the euro … We don’t have time anymore!
Meimarakis again with Karamanlis, who in fact describes an ultimatum and gives him the way of legalizing his leadership of the ND.
- Karamanlis: Since Antonis announced that he was resigning, you must take over. You will be charged with any consequences of your refusal. How can the ND miss, the predominantly European party from such a meeting? “
- Meimarakis: But how do I go to the board? How will the other leaders accept me as temporary?
- Karamanlis: You will go the next day, on Tuesday and you will convene the parliamentary group so that you will be elected president and we will all approve you!
Meimarakis chats that night, among other things with Margaritis Schoinas who was on his side then Jean -Claude Junckerbut also with the Commissioner of Greece in the EU. Dimitris Avramopouloswho tells him that in Europe’s climate is turning in favor of Grexit. Also speaks with the late Fofi and Stavros Theodorakiswho tells him that if he goes to the Council they will also go in turn, as without the presence of the ND (which was the opposition party), the presence of the minor opposition parties would not be meaningful.
The Karamanlis-Tsipras phone call
Much has also been written about Kostas Karamanlis’ famous phone call with Alexis Tsipras shortly before the 17 -hour deal. The conversation between the two was made by Karamanlis Prokopis Pavlopoulos’ old friend, who remained awake until late. Indeed, according to the book, the phone replied a female voice, as time was at midnight, but Alexis Tsipras woke up to speak with the former prime minister. Following is a summary of their 15 -minute dialogue, as presented by Nikos Stefos:
Karamanlis: There are times when you talk to the story. You have to do your job. You should not risk the future of the country.
Tsipras: President, I have already made my decisions and I will do my duty »
Karamanlis: I understand that you are under pressure from your party. But if you drive the country into bankruptcy, you will be responsible! ”
Tsipras: I know, unfortunately I fight to get the snake out of the hole »Karamanlis: yes but Greece is now sinking, hanging from a thread. And to know that for a prime minister an opportunity is presented. And this is your opportunity.
Tsipras: In my mind there are always the Greeks and especially the weakest. I always give and I will give the battles for them.