Optimates (Theodorous and the Parathalassias)
Optimates Optimatoi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Mihalis Bouras |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Split from | Hellenic Self-Determination Front |
| Ideology | Liberal conservatism Economic liberalism Pro-Europeanism |
| Political position | Centre-right |
| European affiliation | European People's Party (1990-2004; 2023-present) Unaffiliated (2004-2023) |
| European Parliament group | European People's Party group (1989-2004) |
| Colours | Indigo |
| Senate | 2 / 30
|
| Local Government | 1 / 44
|
| European Parliament (Theodoran seats) | 0 / 6
|
| Website | |
| optimates | |
The Optimates (Greek: Optimatoi) are a liberal conservative political party active in Theodorous and the Parathalassias. Initially formed as the right-leaning faction of the pro-independence Hellenic Self-Determination Front, it first contested the 1989 Theodoran parliamentary election and dominated the nation's politics for the next 15 years, providing three of four Prime Ministers (later Mesazontes) during this period. In 2003, however, the party and its leaders were implicated in the "Spoils of War" embezzlement scandal, leading to a collapse in its vote share. The party was left without parliamentary representation for several years, before winning two seats in the 2024 elections.
Three Theodoran heads of government (Dimitris Tasoulas, Pavlos Ioannidis, and Freiderikos Stamenitis) have hailed from the Optimates, the most of any party.