Independent Greeks: One in, one out

It all started in the morning, when independent MP Nikos Nikolopoulos decided to join the Independent Greeks MP group. The former New Democracy MP who was expelled from the ruling conservative party two years ago when he made an "inappropriate" comment about the government's policies online, founded the Christian Democrats a few months later.

Nikolopoulos, apparently had an understanding with Independent Greeks president Panos Kammenos in the early summer, according to which the MP would join the party, retaining his autonomy and party, but cooperating with IGs.

In a statement released today, Nikolopoulos speaks about "the start of a grand coalition of anti-memorandum forces".

Just as the news of Nikolopoulos' move was being printed, a prominent Independent Greeks MP was being expelled from the party. A one time close associate of party president Panos Kammenos, Rachel Makri has had her share of disagreement with the right wing party recently.

Just last week, Kammenos had asked her to participate in the Independent Greeks Ethics Committee, to explain the reasons behind some Facebook posting which, according to the party, were insulting for her colleagues inside the party.

Makri didn't appear as ordered in the committee today, sending a memo full of accusations about party members instead. After that, Kammenos had no alternative than to expel her from the party ranks.

So, one joining the party, another expelled from it. All in all, no change in the parliamentary balance of power, particularly for Prime Minister Andonis Samaras, who is desperate to get to the magic number of 180 for the election of the new president of the republic next February.