The agreement between the PASOK leadership candidates regarding the organization of the televised debate on ERT next Tuesday remains unresolved, as their representatives did not reach a conclusion concerning direct dialogue.

The representatives of the six candidates have agreed on the thematic sections, but during today’s meeting—according to sources—five of them agreed on having at least three follow-up questions (candidate interventions and questions towards each other, with the opportunity for a response), there was disagreement from Androulakis’ side.

“At today’s meeting of the candidates’ representatives, the thematic sections were agreed upon; however, the exact rules of the direct dialogue proposed by Nikos Androulakis are still pending. The PASOK President’s side proposed a two-minute unmediated direct dialogue, which would be an innovation in Greek debate history and is already being applied in Europe and the US,” said sources from Androulakis’ team. They added: “Nikos Androulakis is breaking the stereotype of current presidents choosing a fully controlled TV environment.”

These same sources emphasized that a new effort would be made tomorrow to find common ground, adding: “Regarding concerns that there may be verbal altercations during the dialogue, we respond that direct exchanges of opinions will undoubtedly enhance the internal party process, boost public interest, and benefit the party. All candidates’ public appearances thus far ensure a dignified and constructive dialogue. Journalists coordinating the two-minute discussions will also ensure equal time distribution.”

Doukas’ Proposals and Comments

The team of Haris Doukas entered the debate negotiations with specific proposals, including:

• Setting five thematic sections covering the economy, social state, foreign policy and defense, modern challenges (climate crisis), state institutions, and PASOK’s future steps.
• At least three follow-up questions, allowing for direct exchanges between candidates, similar to the successful debate format used in last year’s municipal elections in Athens. “We agreed to hold the debate on September 24th, broadcasted by ERT-1, with the participation of public television journalists,” Doukas’ team stated, referring to Giorgos Kouvaras and Apostolos Maggiriadis. However, while Doukas and the other candidates agreed on six thematic sections, they did not agree on the structure and rules for the direct dialogue.

Following the meeting, Doukas’ team remarked:

“Does Mr. Androulakis want a debate?”

“Only Mr. Androulakis’ side disagreed with the debate format, which ERT first introduced last year during the local elections. This format includes direct dialogue between candidates and rules ensuring equal time for everyone. His side insists on demands that don’t break any stereotypes, as they claim, but would instead turn the discussion into chaos and be untimely.”

“Our proposal aims for unmediated direct dialogue, but without interruptions or attempts to create impressions.”

“Our non-negotiable goal is unity and creating conditions that allow citizens to witness a meaningful political argument. We will continue consultations with this goal in mind.”