PASOK leadership candidates make their case after debate

N. Androulakis: “PASOK will not be a government supplement”

“Many are talking about an opportunity for PASOK and the broader democratic block, but this opportunity wasn’t handed to us,” declared PASOK President Nikos Androulakis. “It’s the result of struggle, effort, and hard work by thousands who stayed through PASOK’s difficult times.” He emphasised that PASOK’s revival wasn’t an accident but rather a deliberate choice to move beyond being a mere “governing supplement” to other parties.

Androulakis highlighted the party’s progress, stating that PASOK has moved past the struggles of recent years and can now renew the trust it gained in December 2021. He argued that PASOK should aim to serve the people by tackling inequalities, rebuilding the social state, and addressing the needs of a generation forced to seek opportunities abroad. “It’s not about returning old protagonists or increasing PASOK’s seats; it’s about serving the people,” he concluded.

P. Geroulanos: “Expansion to the Left and Centre”

Pavlos Geroulanos took a more strategic approach, stating that PASOK’s future leader must decide whether New Democracy’s policies and social inequalities will be challenged. “The choice for October 6 is simple: do we choose to win or lose?” he asked. He stressed the need for experienced leadership capable of uniting PASOK and expanding its reach from the Left and Centre to disillusioned voters on the Right who have lost faith in Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

Geroulanos emphasised that his candidacy brings experience, planning, and a commitment to unity. “With expansion and unity, we can lead PASOK to a great victory. We must boldly choose victory on October 6,” he urged.

N. Giannakopoulou: “PASOK must change and break the patterns”

Nadia Giannakopoulou emphasised the need for change within PASOK, recalling how she challenged the party’s failure to connect with society following the European elections. “For me, politics is about truth, not beautification,” she said, insisting that PASOK must evolve to become a strong opposition to Mitsotakis, who she criticised for his governance.

“PASOK must first change itself to convince others that it can change the country,” Giannakopoulou argued. She called for revolutionary reforms and urged supporters to “take PASOK into your hands” and break away from outdated mechanisms.

H. Doukas: “Participation, collectivism, and unity are essential”

Haris Doukas made an impassioned plea for unity, participation, and collective action. “The majority of Greeks live in insecurity, and this must change,” he said. Doukas urged PASOK to rally against what he called a “cruel and cynical system of power,” arguing that the party must build a strong majority movement.

“The October 6th dilemma is clear: do we want a progressive PASOK that wins, or a closed, fearful PASOK that props up the Mitsotakis system?” he asked. Doukas called on supporters to “stand tall” and unite for a hopeful future.

A. Diamantopoulou: “Leadership with international experience”

Anna Diamantopoulou addressed the 2.5 million citizens who had left PASOK in recent years, urging them to reconsider the party as a credible political option. “New Democracy is in decline, and SYRIZA is falling apart,” she said, positioning PASOK as a small but organised party that could offer solutions to pressing issues.

Diamantopoulou stressed the need for leadership with international experience, capable of addressing global challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and immigration. “Our party must be participative and self-reliant, and leadership must be capable both locally and internationally,” she asserted. She called for unity and urged voters to be passionate about their choice to help reshape Greece’s future.

M. Katrinis: “I have a lifelong relationship with PASOK”

Michalis Katrinis spoke of his deep connection to PASOK, reminding voters of the party’s roots as a movement that brought about significant changes under Andreas Papandreou. “Major changes are made with ruptures and upheavals, and that’s what we need today,” he said. Katrinis addressed those who had supported PASOK in the past but grew disillusioned, urging them to have faith in the party’s ability to bring positive change once again.

“I’ve never left PASOK, and I have a lifelong relationship with it,” he stressed. Katrinis called for support for a “clean face” and a “crystal-clear proposal,” asking voters to make October 6 the beginning of a new chapter for PASOK and Greece.

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