PASOK is entering a phase of discussion regarding post-election developments and the search for progressive alliances, with its top officials opening channels of communication with forces across the broader center-left, uniting under the common goal of forming a united front against New Democracy.
Against the backdrop of the upcoming parliamentary elections, PASOK’s defense spokesperson, Michalis Katrinis, made statements expected to spark intense debate, leaving open the possibility of post-election dialogue with «EL.A.S.» (Greek Popular Left Coalition) led by Alexis Tsipras. In a similar vein, the party’s Member of the European Parliament, Nikos Papandreou, sent his own messages to Harilaou Trikoupi, calling for a «change of course» and progressive alliances.
Michalis Katrinis: «The Hellenic Police is our partner—New Democracy is our only opponent.»
Speaking on Alpha 98.9 radio, Mr. Katrinis made it clear that PASOK’s main political rival is New Democracy and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, ruling out any possibility of cooperation with them. When asked about the relationship with Alexis Tsipras’s new party, the PASOK MP noted:
«I believe that Mr. Tsipras’s party could review PASOK’s platform and be considered a potential negotiating partner, so that we can see where we disagree and where we agree, provided that it also submits its own platform.».
At the same time, Mr. Katrinis described as «problematic» the change in strategy by close associates of the former prime minister, who recently stated that they do not consider PASOK to be an allied political force. As he pointed out, Mr. Tsipras himself, during the presentations of his book, appeared to be seeking to form a united front against the government. «I don't think we're on the same page as Mr. Tsipras», he emphasized, posing the rhetorical question: «If the Hellenic Police doesn’t want to talk with PASOK, then who will it talk to? Mr. Varoufakis and Ms. Konstantopoulou?». He concluded by noting that PASOK will wait for the election results to be finalized and will then issue a formal call to the progressive forces.
Nikos Papandreou: Deviating from the party line on the polls
At the same time, Nikos Papandreou’s dissenting stance is causing internal party friction, who has clearly distanced himself from the party’s official line regarding the war that has broken out with the polling firms.
Speaking on the Action 24 television station, Mr. Papandreou stressed that the party must not turn a blind eye:
«If we view the polls as a lesson, it means we need to change course. I’m not one of those people who say, “The polls are wrong”—despite all their flaws, after twelve polls, they do tell us something. We need to have a positive agenda: our plan for housing, for healthcare, and our positions. We need to convince the public.».
«The progressive parties must find a solution»
Although the MEP supported PASOK’s need to chart its own course until election day, he forcefully addressed the situation after the election, emphasizing that in the event PASOK fails to secure a majority on its own (which at this stage appears to be the most likely scenario), progressive forces must come to the negotiating table.
«On the first Sunday, based on the vote share, PASOK should discuss its next steps through democratic processes. The progressive parties must find a solution. Who would say no?», he wondered. In any case, Mr. Papandreou was quick to draw a clear distinction, characterizing groups such as EL.A.S., Elpida, MERA25, and Plevsi Eleftherias as «one-man parties,» in contrast to PASOK, which has an institutional structure, experience, and capable leaders to govern the country.
