Pavlos Yeroulanos, parliamentary spokesman for PASOK, called for a “full mobilization” of party members to secure victory in Greece’s next national elections, setting a target of 1.5 million votes and ruling out any governing cooperation with the conservative New Democracy.
Speaking on the second day of the party’s congress in Athens, Yeroulanos, once and potentially again a rival for the leadership, framed the upcoming 2027 election as a decisive moment, urging grassroots members and officials to take personal responsibility for achieving the vote goal through coordinated, local-level campaigning.
He was unequivocal about post-election alliances, describing New Democracy as the “problem” and PASOK as the “solution,” and calling for the phrase “Under no circumstances!” to be formally included in the congress resolution regarding any potential cooperation.
Referring to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, Yeroulanos warned that political compromises aimed at securing a share of power risk fueling “political monsters of populism and fascism” seen internationally.
Yeroulanos also outlined a policy framework centered on what he called a “patriotic economy,” emphasizing decentralization of power, redistribution of resources and strengthening regional economies. He proposed investing in local comparative advantages, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and reshaping Greece’s productive model.
He added that Greece should reclaim a role as a “credible mediator for peace” and advocated for regulating globalization through fair trade rules, while highlighting the need to ensure technological advances serve public interests.
A key operational focus of the speech was translating the 1.5 million vote target into concrete goals for regional and local party organizations. Yeroulanos urged immediate mobilization, including door-to-door outreach by party members and elected officials.
On communication strategy, he called for reducing reliance on national media by strengthening PASOK’s presence in regional outlets and social media platforms, and ensuring consistent messaging to party supporters.
Closing his address, Yeroulanos expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, pointing to what he described as more than 2 million disengaged progressive voters. “Do not fear the opponent. They fear us,” he said to applause.
The three-day congress is set to conclude Sunday.