“A formal meeting, as it is logical to have,” will mark the first in-person contact between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, according to the Prime Minister’s associates. Mitsotakis returned yesterday evening from London.

This meeting has been delayed for… three years, despite the wiretapping scandal in between. The initial invitation was extended by Mr. Mitsotakis to Mr. Androulakis on the evening of his first election in 2021. A few days later, after the budget vote, the two had a brief exchange outside the Parliament’s Press Room, where the invitation was reiterated.

Three years later, with PASOK now playing the role of the main opposition, the two leaders will meet for a comprehensive discussion today at 12:00 in the Prime Minister’s office in Parliament.

Mitsotakis is open to briefing Androulakis on a range of national and European issues, should the PASOK leader wish. The message he will convey is the importance of a minimum consensus on various issues. Historically, PASOK has supported defense budget expenditures, and Mitsotakis aims to establish an institutional channel of communication, as a return to the old two-party system seems likely.

Expectations Remain Modest

According to information from protothema.gr, the government’s expectations are rather limited. Recent clashes with PASOK have surfaced on multiple issues, most recently the emergency tax on bank profits—rejected outright by Mitsotakis from London—and new interventions on short-term rentals and the golden visa. It’s evident PASOK is attempting to create political momentum, while the government has launched direct attacks, labeling the party a “green SYRIZA.”

Proposals with Cost Estimations

Mitsotakis expects to hear both the issues and proposals Androulakis plans to table. There have been “green leaks” suggesting topics PASOK’s leader might raise.

Regarding the election of judicial leadership—a topic Androulakis has emphasized, especially in the wake of the wiretapping scandal—Maximos Mansion prefers to address institutional reforms at the end of the four-year term, bundled with discussions on constitutional amendments.

As for other initiatives attributed to Androulakis, such as forging a consensus on the demographic issue, the government is ready to hear his views.

The key aspect, however, for all opposition proposals, is cost estimation, according to government officials. “If these proposals are costed, backed by a rationale for funding sources, and beneficial for citizens, we are open to implementing them. Ideally, discussions with the opposition would center on specific, costed proposals,” said government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis yesterday on Naftemporiki TV.

No Discussion on the Presidency of the Republic

One topic Mitsotakis is reportedly unwilling to discuss is his plans for the Presidency of the Republic. He seems to have decided not to propose the current President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, for a second term but has no intention of elaborating on his shortlist. In any case, his thoughts are fluid, and final decisions will be made during the holiday season.

However, one institutional issue that could foster cooperation between New Democracy and PASOK is the appointment of a new Ombudsman. The government’s proposal for Professor Dimitris Sotiropoulos has stalled in the Parliament’s Conference of Presidents.