PASOK Intensifies Effort to Block Tsipras Comeback as Constitutional Debate Opens
PASOK has moved into a more assertive phase of its campaign to counter Alexis Tsipras return to national political prominence, warning that the country could face new disasters if citizens once again place their hopes in what the party calls messianic figures. Party leader Nikos Androulakis reiterated that Tsipras was judged in 2015 and cannot resume his previous role. According to Androulakis, Tsipras had employed behind the scenes tactics aimed at shutting down PASOK entirely before destabilizing his own political party. As he stated in his televised appearance on ERTnews, Mr Tsipras fought PASOK ferociously and tried to close it. He did not succeed. PASOK endured and has a serious and strong future. Then he did everything he could to dismantle his own party. He succeeded. Androulakis added that society now needs transparency, clear positions, planning and concrete solutions.
Responding to questions about PASOKs stagnant polling numbers and the broader political climate, Androulakis insisted that political change is necessary in the next elections. He again rejected any possibility of post election cooperation with New Democracy, arguing that PASOK is the only party to the left of ND capable of drawing crucial support from the political center.
PASOK headquarters in Athens
Turning to the ongoing farmers protests, Androulakis argued that their demands are fair and stressed that the primary sector has reached a breaking point. He urged the prime minister and relevant ministers to visit protest roadblocks for direct dialogue. He rejected claims that his own visit to farmers in Karditsa and Trikala was populist in nature.
PASOK Proposals to Reduce Production Costs
Setting an upper price limit up to 30 percent above the average of the 5 lowest EU member state prices for agricultural and veterinary drugs and seeds.
Establishing an Agricultural Fuel Card to remove the special consumption tax automatically at the pump.
Supporting farmers energy autonomy through subsidies for renewable energy installations.
Creating energy communities prioritizing irrigation organizations producer groups and remote regions.
Constitutional Reform and Article 86
PASOK plans to submit its proposals to opposition parties soon, possibly before the holidays, inviting them to engage in dialogue on the revision of Article 86.
The partys institute, InSocial, is hosting an event dedicated to constitutional revision, led by Nikos Christodoulakis. The event titled Challenges and necessities ahead of the Constitutional Revision features Evangelos Venizelos as the keynote speaker, with greetings from PASOK leadership figures including Evangelia Liakouli and Christos Kaklamanis.
Greek Parliament during discussions on constitutional reform
Experts Charalambos Anthopoulos, Konstantina Georgaki, Konstantinos Botopoulos and Nikos Papaspyrrou will discuss the detailed aspects of the proposed constitutional changes. The discussion will be moderated by MP and constitutional scholar Panagiotis Doudonis.
