One day after the publication of the news about the candidacy of Fredi Beleri from the “New Democracy” party for the European elections of June 9, the Greek media have clarified the reasons for this decision taken by Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

According to Kathimerini, there were 3 reasons that played a key role in Beleri’s candidacy. First, since the issue of Fredi Beleri’s candidacy had been made public earlier, Mitsotakis considered that his exclusion would send the wrong message as it could be interpreted as a retreat towards Albania. Secondly, the preference for Fredi Beleri had increased and recently the political pressure received by the “New Democracy” party could not be excluded.

Fredi Beleri is one of the 42 candidates. Despite the election, his candidacy has been opposed by the Foreign Minister of Greece, and the foreign policy adviser to the Greek Prime Minister, Aleksandra Papadhopoulou, according to which his placement in the list of candidates for MEP would turn this issue from European to bilateral with Albania.