\n<\/p>\n
The first opinion polls of 2025 signal a tough road ahead for PASOK, Greece\u2019s 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\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
Two polls released last week \u2013 one by Marc for Antenna TV and another by Opinion Poll for Action 24 \u2013 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\u2019s ratings. Meanwhile, SYRIZA, the leftist opposition party, appears to be stabilizing and gaining traction.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, further declines could reopen old wounds, with internal discord and party infighting likely to resurface.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 comments also triggered unease within PASOK, with some members questioning the timing of such remarks.<\/p>\n
Framing PASOK as synonymous with SYRIZA echoes the government\u2019s successful strategy of appealing to centrist voters who fear a return to the SYRIZA-led governance era. Androulakis\u2019 shift from vague references to progressive alliances to explicit discussions of inter-party cooperation opened the door for ND to exploit the narrative.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s choice for the Presidency of the Republic. PASOK views this as part of ND\u2019s strategy to project itself as the clear frontrunner, with PASOK being the closest threat to breaking the 20% barrier.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 apparent attempt to align himself with Simitis\u2019 legacy, highlighted by his eulogy at the late leader\u2019s state funeral. At the same time, PASOK rejected SYRIZA\u2019s candidate, Louka Katseli, aiming to dispel speculation about potential collaboration between the two parties.<\/p>\n
PASOK finds itself squeezed between SYRIZA\u2019s criticism for allegedly aligning with ND \u2013 exemplified by its refusal to back Katseli\u2019s nomination \u2013 and the government\u2019s accusations of aiding SYRIZA\u2019s return. The party\u2019s pursuit of political autonomy demands sustained efforts to counter these pressures, a task that becomes more urgent as its polling stagnates.<\/p>\n
PASOK remains hopeful that mounting public dissatisfaction with ND\u2019s governance will create opportunities. Party insiders believe unresolved issues and social discontent will eventually outpace the government\u2019s communication efforts. PASOK sees its path to recovery in offering clear legislative proposals and policy interventions to demonstrate it has a robust political vision.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n