Androulakis presses for political change during visit to Kastoria
Nikos Androulakis used a campaign stop in Kastoria to launch a broadside against the Mitsotakis administration, accusing the government of abandoning rural communities and failing to shape a credible strategy for the primary sector.
Calls for accountability over the OPEKEPE scandal featured prominently in his remarks, as he argued that those who orchestrated what he described as an institutional heist must face consequences.
Criticism of the government’s approach to the green transition dominated another part of his speech, with Androulakis warning that renewable energy projects ended up under the control of domestic oligarchs while producers struggled with soaring costs.
Examples from Argos Orestiko and the University of Florina were cited to demonstrate how local self production initiatives remain stalled due to missing connection terms.
Greece’s dependence on imported natural gas was highlighted as a symptom of mismanagement, and he argued that the rapid lignite phase out imposed unnecessary burdens on local communities.
Assertions that the transition became one of the most significant scandals of the post dictatorship era underscored his message that the process was designed to benefit the most powerful.
Demands for political change were repeated throughout the event, with Androulakis framing the moment as a choice between a third term for New Democracy under Kyriakos Mitsotakis or a shift in direction.
PASOK was presented as the only force capable of delivering that change, as Androulakis insisted his party has a governing plan and personnel free from vested interests.
Claims that New Democracy manipulates public discourse and shifts responsibility to the opposition were included in his broader critique of the government’s behaviour.
Parallel references to the wiretapping affair served to reinforce his argument that those implicated in wrongdoing rarely answer for it.
Supporters were encouraged to carry the political dilemma into every village and workplace, spreading the message that the future depends on grassroots mobilisation.
Assurances that PASOK remains independent from financial backers formed part of his effort to draw a contrast with the governing party.
Comments dismissing accusations that PASOK bears responsibility for ND’s dominance were delivered with pointed references to past election results.
Arguments that other political forces contributed to Mitsotakis’s hold on power were used to strengthen his case that PASOK has been steadily gaining ground.
Androulakis concluded with an appeal to unity, claiming his party offers reliability on national issues and refuses to engage in divisive rhetoric.
Assertions that New Democracy prefers opponents who polarise and resort to empty promises rounded out his criticism, as he insisted PASOK remains a challenging adversary for the ruling party.
