Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias launches election campaign with Alimos rally

Campaign launch in Alimos

Originally framed as an open meeting with citizens from the southern suburbs of Athens, the event drew thousands of New Democracy supporters alongside numerous officials and members of the party's youth wing, ONNED. Turnout exceeded venue capacity, forcing more than 300 people to remain outside the premises for safety reasons following several days of mobilization by party organizers. With music provided by a disc jockey, Dendias used the gathering to start his electoral efforts, stating that the attendance surpassed initial expectations and that his intention was to speak with each attendee.

Political path and factional loyalty

During his address, Dendias focused on party ideology, values, and his personal political trajectory rather than the current government agenda. He recounted his early involvement with New Democracy's student wing DAP and the youth organisation ONNED, noting that personal difficulties delayed his entry into elected politics until Kostas Karamanlis became party leader. Dendias emphasized his continuous loyalty to the party across varied political cycles, pointing to his close cooperation with three successive New Democracy prime ministers.

I served three prime ministers of New Democracy, Kostas Karamanlis, Antonis Samaras, today's prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and I served all three with my soul and with my heart.

He stated that he supported the party through both victories and defeats, adding that he had protected the political family without inflicting damage or creating organizational problems during difficult moments. To illustrate his longevity within the organization, Dendias recalled accompanying former Prime Minister Georgios Rallis as a young ONNED member to the Hotel Grande Bretagne to transfer national leadership to Andreas Papandreou. He described New Democracy as the country's primary popular party, touching on his prior service as Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as his ongoing policy goals at the Ministry of National Defense.

Internal dialogue and public conduct

Dendias delivered four distinct messages during his speech, centering heavily on party cohesion and the rules governing internal political debate. He addressed party dissidents and internal critics directly, stating that policy disagreements and strategic positions belong within formal pre-congress procedures rather than in public television confrontations. The defense minister argued that maintaining unity requires restraint in media appearances, reminding the audience that he had consistently avoided public clashes throughout his political career.

My ambition is to always be a servant of the people's interests, to be a servant of the interests of each and every one of you, to be a servant of the faction's interests and above all and beyond all to be a faithful and humble servant of Greece, our homeland.

Dendias concluded his speech by thanking attendees and expressing gratitude to the party base, its ideology, and its collective history. He reiterated that his objective is to continue representing citizens and serving factional interests as New Democracy activates its electoral apparatus and expands campaign activities across the southern districts.