PASOK has been reduced to 32 Members of Parliament following the expulsion of Panagiotis Paraskevaidis from its parliamentary group, a development that simultaneously brings the number of independent MPs in the Hellenic Parliament to a record 27.
The decision was formally communicated through a letter sent by PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis to the Speaker of Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis. In the letter, Androulakis informed the Speaker that the MP for Lesvos was being removed from the PASOK–Movement for Change parliamentary group due to statements he made regarding potential post-election collaborations.
With this move, PASOK, which holds the position of official opposition, now counts 32 MPs in its parliamentary ranks. Meanwhile, the tally of independent deputies has climbed to 27—an unusually high figure by Greek parliamentary standards and one that significantly alters the arithmetic within the chamber.
In an official statement, PASOK justified the expulsion by referring to what it described as “continuous unacceptable statements” by Paraskevaidis that blurred the party’s political and ideological message. The announcement stressed that such remarks could not be tolerated, emphasizing the need to safeguard the party’s clarity and cohesion ahead of future political developments.
Earlier in the day, Paraskevaidis had spoken on the Parliament’s television channel and was asked whether PASOK should consider cooperating with New Democracy in order to prevent potential political deadlock or instability. In response, he stated: “If Greece is to remain without a government, we must cooperate with everyone. With all. Even with dictatorial regimes.”
The comment triggered immediate political backlash, as it was widely interpreted as exceeding acceptable political rhetoric and undermining PASOK’s strategic positioning as the main opposition force. Party leadership moved swiftly, viewing the remarks as incompatible with its institutional stance and political identity.
The expulsion not only reshapes PASOK’s parliamentary strength but also underscores the broader fragmentation within the current legislature, where the elevated number of independent MPs reflects ongoing volatility in party cohesion and internal discipline.
