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Former prime minister George Papandreou told the ongoing PASOK congress on Saturday that the party is returning not to \u201cbetter manage what exists\u201d but to \u201cchange how the country functions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reusing the phrase \u201csocialism or barbarism,\u201d Papandreou framed the choice as one between \u201ca society of liberation, justice, democratic control\u201d and a \u201cnew form of barbarism\u201d, or systems of vast power lacking moral and democratic oversight.<\/p>\n
Targeting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his New Democracy government, Papandreou said it is \u201cefficient\u2026 in taking care of the few,\u201d while offering the many \u201cfear and uncertainty, allowances instead of rights.\u201d Papandreou, now a PASOK MP, also alleged that European funds meant for green and regional development are \u201cagain going to a few large oligarchic interests.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citing issues such as the Tempe railway disaster, OPEKEPE agricultural subsidy and wiretapping scandals, and public contract practices, he argued the rule of law is \u201cincompatible with this government\u2019s choices,\u201d claiming its policies have \u201cdevalued Greece\u201d and weakened its voice internationally.<\/p>\n
Papandreou, who led the country from 2009 to 2011, rejected blame for Greece\u2019s financial crisis, arguing it stemmed from \u201chuge deficits\u201d under New Democracy and \u201cyears of squandering by the Right.\u201d He insisted corruption \u201cdid not flourish under PASOK,\u201d but \u201cflourished and is flourishing under New Democracy,\u201d adding that parts of the traditional Left \u201ccovered this up\u201d to \u201claunch attacks on PASOK.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Calling for \u201ccohesion and unity of democratic forces,\u201d he said PASOK can and must shape cooperation among progressive groups.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to elections, he warned voters not to be misled by New Democracy\u2019s message of \u201cstability and security,\u201d arguing that \u201cthis stability weakens the citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PASOK congress, which began Friday, concludes Sunday.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n