New Democracy party was founded in 1974 by Konstantinos Karamanlis, at a critical juncture in history. From the very outset, it took on the mission of uniting the Greek people, healing the wounds of the dictatorship, and laying the foundations for a new era of democracy, stability, and a European future.
The founder’s legacy was decisive: the establishment of the Third Hellenic Republic, the country’s accession to the European Community, and the restoration of Greece’s international credibility. These were choices that changed the nation’s course forever and inspired confidence among citizens.
Fifty-one years later, New Democracy has every reason to feel proud of its historical journey. At every critical turning point, it has stood as a force of responsibility and stability. Whether in periods of national tension or in the face of major economic difficulties, it has shouldered the burden of difficult decisions with the country’s interest in mind.
Its leaders—from Georgios Rallis and Konstantinos Mitsotakis to Kostas Karamanlis, Antonis Samaras, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis—left their mark on different eras, always with a steady orientation toward Europe, social sensitivity, and national responsibility. This trajectory demonstrates the party’s deep resilience and adaptability.
The new era, however, brings new challenges. New Democracy is called upon to answer questions that concern its very identity: Does it today speak for the social center? Does it offer a vision to younger generations? Does it provide substantive answers to inequality, high prices, and insecurity? And further, has the broadening of its ranks with figures from other political spaces actually been matched by a corresponding broadening in the electorate?
The answers to these questions will determine the future. For the party created by Konstantinos Karamanlis must remain a vehicle of national responsibility, social cohesion, and European strategy.
Fifty-one years on, New Democracy is not only a party; it is part of the very history of modern Greece. Guided by Karamanlis’s legacy and by the contributions of all subsequent leaders, it is now called to inspire with a new narrative—one that responds to the challenges of our time and offers a horizon for tomorrow.
Its future will depend on whether it continues to be the party of national responsibility, social sensitivity, and European orientation, or whether it loses the thread of its identity. For New Democracy does not belong to yesterday; it belongs to Greece’s tomorrow.