[InTime News]
Nikolas Farantouris, a former SYRIZA MEP who had been sitting as an independent since his expulsion in January, officially joined the main opposition party PASOK on Thursday evening.
Earlier in the day, Farantouris had signaled the move, saying he would “not remain independent forever” and that “decisions soon” were coming.
Welcoming him at a meeting in Parliament, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis said the MEP and professor of European law would strengthen both the party and the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament.
He expressed confidence that Farantouris would contribute to the push for “political change,” framing the broader goal as defeating the ruling New Democracy and opening “a new chapter” marked by institutional respect, fair development and reduced inequalities.
Farantouris said PASOK is “the only party” able to deliver needed reforms, ensure a strong European and international presence, and safeguard social justice, urging broad democratic participation in what he described as an “all-out effort.”
Farantouris was expelled from SYRIZA’s European Parliament group in January after remarks in which he said he would “welcome” the creation of a new political party by Maria Karystianou, at the time, the Tempe railway victims’ head activist, who has since founded a political movement.