Aris Spiliotopoulos: bewitched by Kasselakis

As a journalist, I’ve tracked Aris Spiliotopoulos’s career since 1997, when Kostas Karamanlis appointed him as New Democracy’s spokesperson, leading to his eventual tenure as a minister. His alignment with a narcissist-like Kasselakis, despite being a former ‘blue’ affiliate, was predictable.

Spiliotopoulos, a veteran in courting media attention, was bound to collaborate with Syriza’s new president, transcending

ideological and party boundaries. Their partnership is a blend of socialite charm, modern social movements, neoliberal ideas, and financial allure, creating a unique synergy.

Spiliotopoulos, akin to Kasselakis in his era, pioneered the fusion of politics with lifestyle, leaving an indelible mark with his flamboyant parliamentary presence. His controversial 2000 ‘Woman’ magazine photoshoot, which stirred the conservative ND party, is a testament to his boldness. Despite the backlash, including his infamous labelling as ‘Salome’ and subsequent political fallout, he continued to embrace his public persona, even as Minister of Tourism.

Post-politics, his lavish lifestyle continued, yet political reintegration eluded him, as he remained outside the electoral considerations of subsequent  ND party leader Antonis Samaras, Evangelos Meimarakis, and now, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. His legacy within Karamanlism, however, found a new home in Syriza, contributing to its broadening appeal.

Spiliotopoulos’s influence on Karamanlis’s centrist pivot was significant, advocating for a political middle ground that erases traditional left-right divisions. The strategy secured Karamanlis two terms in office and is a playbook Kasselakis seems eager to replicate for his ambitions on the left.

The challenge with the middle ground is its fluidity, requiring constant reinvention to align with the zeitgeist. Mitsotakis’s success in reshaping it post-crisis, blending centre-left policies with traditional right values, has set a high bar. Spiliotopoulos himself acknowledged Mitsotakis’s adept strategy, likening it to Thatcher’s ‘TINA’ approach to capitalism.

Kasselakis’s current political narrative, however, lacks this ideological depth. His one-man show approach, devoid of substantial policy positions, risks becoming an ideological whirlwind with no clear direction. His quest seems not for a middle ground but for a personal following drawn to his charisma.
In this context, navigating Kasselakis’s political landscape is a gamble. Yet, as Spiliotopoulos once implied, if the TINA doctrine holds true, Mitsotakis remains the unchallenged alternative.

Translated by ANTHEE CARASSAVA

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