Scandals Encircle Greece’s Ruling Party
Daily Monitor
September 22, 2026
Scandals Encircle Greece’s Ruling Party
Mounting controversies challenge the New Democracy party as trust erodes ahead of critical elections.
The New Democracy (ND) party, Greece’s dominant political force, finds itself under siege as scandals and public discontent threaten its stability ahead of pivotal elections. Despite maintaining a lead in polls, the party’s grip on absolute majority appears increasingly tenuous, with trust among citizens steadily eroding amidst a cascade of controversies.
One of the most damaging blows comes from the so-called ‘E-mail Gate,’ a scandal involving the unauthorized leak of 25,000 email addresses belonging to expatriate Greeks. Former ND Member of the European Parliament, Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, was handed a 20-month suspended sentence for violating official secrecy and data protection laws. Three other former ND officials—Michalis Stavrianoudakis, Nikos Theodoropoulos, and Menios Koromilas—were also convicted for breaches of personal data legislation, though the court acknowledged their prior lawful conduct as a mitigating factor.
Adding to the turmoil is the ‘Qatar Gate,’ a sprawling investigation that has implicated high-profile figures within ND. Dimitris Avramopoulos, a former European Commissioner, faces allegations of leveraging his position within a non-governmental organization to influence visa policies favoring Qatar. Belgian authorities issued a European arrest warrant against him, sparking fierce political and legal debates. Avramopoulos has denied wrongdoing, claiming the warrant is legally flawed, and has sought its annulment through Greece’s Supreme Court.
The scandal has also drawn scrutiny toward Margaritis Schinas, Greece’s current Minister of Agricultural Development and former European Commissioner. While Schinas has distanced himself from the allegations, citing decisions by the European Commission, the controversy has cast a shadow over his tenure. Internal party tensions have further escalated, with Avramopoulos accusing former Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis of mishandling the arrest warrant, a claim swiftly refuted by government sources.
These scandals have not only shaken ND’s internal cohesion but have also fueled broader public skepticism toward the party’s governance. Comparisons with the handling of similar cases, such as PASOK’s expulsion of Eva Kaili over her alleged involvement in Qatar Gate, have intensified calls for accountability within ND. As the party navigates these turbulent waters, the upcoming elections loom as a critical test of its resilience and public trust.
One of the most damaging blows comes from the so-called ‘E-mail Gate,’ a scandal involving the unauthorized leak of 25,000 email addresses belonging to expatriate Greeks. Former ND Member of the European Parliament, Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, was handed a 20-month suspended sentence for violating official secrecy and data protection laws. Three other former ND officials—Michalis Stavrianoudakis, Nikos Theodoropoulos, and Menios Koromilas—were also convicted for breaches of personal data legislation, though the court acknowledged their prior lawful conduct as a mitigating factor.
Adding to the turmoil is the ‘Qatar Gate,’ a sprawling investigation that has implicated high-profile figures within ND. Dimitris Avramopoulos, a former European Commissioner, faces allegations of leveraging his position within a non-governmental organization to influence visa policies favoring Qatar. Belgian authorities issued a European arrest warrant against him, sparking fierce political and legal debates. Avramopoulos has denied wrongdoing, claiming the warrant is legally flawed, and has sought its annulment through Greece’s Supreme Court.
The scandal has also drawn scrutiny toward Margaritis Schinas, Greece’s current Minister of Agricultural Development and former European Commissioner. While Schinas has distanced himself from the allegations, citing decisions by the European Commission, the controversy has cast a shadow over his tenure. Internal party tensions have further escalated, with Avramopoulos accusing former Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis of mishandling the arrest warrant, a claim swiftly refuted by government sources.
These scandals have not only shaken ND’s internal cohesion but have also fueled broader public skepticism toward the party’s governance. Comparisons with the handling of similar cases, such as PASOK’s expulsion of Eva Kaili over her alleged involvement in Qatar Gate, have intensified calls for accountability within ND. As the party navigates these turbulent waters, the upcoming elections loom as a critical test of its resilience and public trust.
Drafted & Edited by Investigative Desk | AboMatrix