Intense discussions are underway within PASOK ahead of the party’s upcoming congress, as leaders debate the strategic direction and potential alliances.
Former minister Pavlos Geroulanos has firmly rejected any possibility of a coalition with the ruling New Democracy (ND), while Haris Kastanidis has called on the party to explore dialogue with Alexis Tsipras and his emerging political movement.
In an interview with parapolitika, Geroulanos made clear that collaboration with ND is “absolutely incompatible with PASOK’s political proposal” and warned that such a move would be “disastrous for the political system, fueling the extremes at a time when the country faces multiple pressing challenges.” He stressed that while discussions on government partnerships are legitimate at the upcoming congress, any potential cooperation should focus on parties within the progressive and center-left spectrum, not the conservative right.
Kastanidis, also a former minister, emphasized the need for a “dual and clear statement” by PASOK: first, ruling out collaboration with ND, and second, seeking post-election agreements among progressive parties to form a government. Asked whether this could include dialogue with Tsipras, Kastanidis noted that the formation of Tsipras’ own political movement could contribute to the reorganization and strengthening of the progressive space in Greece.
PASOK’s Political Planning Officer, Anna Diamantopoulou, also commented on the uncertainty surrounding the next elections, noting that it is unclear who will lead ND in 2027 and which parties will participate. “We are discussing elections that are still years away. Many factors remain unknown, including party leaderships and political alliances. Serious problems persist,” she said.
Public opinion appears to align more closely with the progressive cooperation approach. A recent poll by Real Polls, published on Protagon, indicated that 52% of PASOK voters from 2023 prefer the party to collaborate with Tsipras, either before or after the next elections. Conversely, 61% of these voters stated that they would not support PASOK if it were to enter into a coalition with ND in the event no party wins an outright majority.
The debate comes as PASOK prepares its congress, where party delegates are expected to discuss both the party platform and potential alliances. The party leadership faces the challenge of maintaining unity while defining a clear strategic position amid a fragmented political landscape. Geroulanos’ hardline stance against ND reflects concerns among progressive voters that any alignment with the conservative party could undermine PASOK’s identity and erode its electoral base.
Meanwhile, Kastanidis’ openness to dialogue with Tsipras signals an internal effort to strengthen cooperation within the broader center-left and progressive spectrum. The congress is expected to set the tone for PASOK’s alliances and electoral strategy in the next parliamentary term, balancing ideological consistency with political pragmatism.
As the debate unfolds, PASOK members and voters will closely watch how the party navigates these decisions, seeking a path that preserves its principles while maximizing influence in the national political arena.
