The first opinion polls of 2025 signal a tough road ahead for PASOK, Greece’s main socialist opposition party. The surveys suggest that, after a period of turbulence, the political landscape is settling into entrenched patterns, presenting difficult questions for PASOK’s future.
Two polls released last week – one by Marc for Antenna TV and another by Opinion Poll for Action 24 – showed a slight increase in support for the ruling New Democracy party, a widening gap between ND and PASOK, and stagnation or slight decline in PASOK’s ratings. Meanwhile, SYRIZA, the leftist opposition party, appears to be stabilizing and gaining traction.
The critical issue for PASOK is whether this halt in its upward momentum is a temporary blip or indicative of deeper limitations. For its leadership, the immediate challenge is to stem any further losses. Maintaining polling figures around 18-20% is seen as essential to providing a foundation for future growth.
However, further declines could reopen old wounds, with internal discord and party infighting likely to resurface.
SYRIZA’s pressure campaign
SYRIZA has capitalized on its recent leadership change, achieving much-needed stability, and is now seeking to expand its influence. Its strategy includes pressuring PASOK through calls for collaboration and joint initiatives, aiming to unite a fragmented center-left electorate. At the same time, SYRIZA is working methodically to reclaim its role as the main opposition party by luring back defected MPs.
Government targets PASOK
The government has made its position on PASOK clear, with a sharp attack by its spokesperson equating PASOK to SYRIZA. Statements by PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis about potential cooperation with other center-left parties fueled this criticism. Androulakis’ comments also triggered unease within PASOK, with some members questioning the timing of such remarks.
Framing PASOK as synonymous with SYRIZA echoes the government’s successful strategy of appealing to centrist voters who fear a return to the SYRIZA-led governance era. Androulakis’ shift from vague references to progressive alliances to explicit discussions of inter-party cooperation opened the door for ND to exploit the narrative.
PASOK’s balancing act
PASOK recognizes that ND is consolidating its dominance in the political landscape. This context shapes its framing of Konstantinos Tasoulas, a conservative and Parliament speaker, as ND’s choice for the Presidency of the Republic. PASOK views this as part of ND’s strategy to project itself as the clear frontrunner, with PASOK being the closest threat to breaking the 20% barrier.
In response, PASOK nominated Tasos Giannitis, a former labor minister in the Simitis administration, underscoring its ties to the late reformist prime minister Costas Simitis, who recently passed away. The move sought to counter Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ apparent attempt to align himself with Simitis’ legacy, highlighted by his eulogy at the late leader’s state funeral. At the same time, PASOK rejected SYRIZA’s candidate, Louka Katseli, aiming to dispel speculation about potential collaboration between the two parties.
Navigating dual pressures
PASOK finds itself squeezed between SYRIZA’s criticism for allegedly aligning with ND – exemplified by its refusal to back Katseli’s nomination – and the government’s accusations of aiding SYRIZA’s return. The party’s pursuit of political autonomy demands sustained efforts to counter these pressures, a task that becomes more urgent as its polling stagnates.
PASOK remains hopeful that mounting public dissatisfaction with ND’s governance will create opportunities. Party insiders believe unresolved issues and social discontent will eventually outpace the government’s communication efforts. PASOK sees its path to recovery in offering clear legislative proposals and policy interventions to demonstrate it has a robust political vision.