Following the defeat of petitions challenging the unconstitutionality of the marriage bill and the adoption of children by LGBTQ+ couples, all eyes are on the roll call vote on February 15th.
Because it will be seen how effectively the party leaders worked with the New Democracy deputies, and the government’s ability to gain 120 votes among its legislators to prevent the loss of the decree will also be assessed. Samaras’ speech is expected to weigh heavily on the issue, which, combined with the roll call vote, could prevent even more New Democracy members from voting for the bill.
According to the latest data, optimism prevails in the Prime Minister’s residence: it is estimated that the number of “yes” votes could reach 120. The official opposition, if the government majority has less than 120 votes in favor, will criticize the (formal, not substantive) loss of the decree, although this concerns only political impressions, and in addition, the political problem of “New Democracy” against its conservative electorate.
However, the “headache” for the Prime Minister’s headquarters is not only the votes of their deputies, but also the intervention of Adonis Samaras. The former prime minister is preparing a speech he is likely to deliver on Thursday at 6pm in what his interlocutors say is likely one of the few times Samaras writes a speech alone, without sharing his thoughts with other close associates.
Reports say Samaras will not focus his speech solely on the marriage equality bill, but will offer a broad and harsh critique of the government’s actions. At the same time, the information states that Samaras, on the occasion of his complete and reasoned disagreement regarding the marriage of homosexual couples and childbirth, intends to present a “platform” for the ideological brand of New Democracy.
He believes that the bill touches on this stigma and, in combination with, as he says, other government policies and initiatives (many, for example, speak negatively about the appointment of PASOK leaders to the government and state apparatus and as candidates for the European Parliament), an attempt is made to “delegitimize” the party , that is, to move away from its right-wing character. And of course, Samaras will end his speech by calling on the deputies to vote “no” to this particular bill, which he himself will do.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, wanting to downplay the significance, told Action24 that “Antonis Samaras is the only former prime minister who is a member of parliament, his opinion is known and respected.” “For us, the former prime ministers of the party are of great value,” he said, not attaching importance to any of his speeches.
However, behind the scenes Megaro Maxim “blue” deputies were made to understand that those who side with Samaras will also side with his general criticism and negative attitude towards the government. At the same time, the ND deputies understand perfectly well that What is allowed to a former prime minister is not allowed to an ordinary deputy.
Therefore, the deputy from New Democracy who votes “against” will speak out not only against this bill, but also against the party and the Prime Minister personally. To do this means, in essence, to leave the party. And if the parliamentarian was on the all-party list, this means leaving the parliament.
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