Adopting a critical stance against the government, members of PASOK’s Political Center expressed strong opposition on several key issues during a recent meeting: Turkey’s participation in European defense, the evaluation of public employees, and the situation in Gaza.

Regarding Turkey’s involvement in European defense, Nikos Androulakis stated:

“The government is trying to label a diplomatic Waterloo as a ‘window of opportunity’ by supporting the participation of a country in European defense that has had frozen relations with the EU, threatens Greece with war as a NATO member, bears responsibility for the brutal Attila invasion of Cyprus, and violates human rights domestically.”

Haris Doukas noted that while, in principle, Greece should not automatically reject such a prospect, Turkey must meet specific conditions if it wants to participate—such as signing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

PASOK’s Initiative on Gaza

In the coming days, PASOK will launch a diplomatic initiative on Gaza, led by its leadership, within both the Party of European Socialists and the Socialist International, presenting a comprehensive framework for action.

On Public Sector Evaluation and Meritocracy

On the issue of meritocracy and evaluation in the public sector—PASOK has clarified that tenure is not the main problem. The party’s position, according to its headquarters on Harilaou Trikoupi Street, is as follows:

“If there is one party that has taken real steps forward in accountability, transparency, and meritocracy, it is PASOK. In contrast, New Democracy is leading in clientelism and favoritism, excelling in no-bid contracts, with most department heads and general directors appointed rather than selected on merit.

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We can legislate in Parliament to improve the effectiveness of employee evaluations or find ways to assist the review boards in dealing with underperforming public servants.

But this issue should not become yet another arena for sterile political conflict, as the government did with the infamous ‘university police’. Rather than promoting meritocracy, the current administration is fueling corruption, as demonstrated by the EU-wide embarrassment over the OPEKEPE scandal.”

New Appointment Announced

During the session, Mr. Androulakis announced that Giannis Vardakastanis will serve as Secretary of the Central Organizing Committee (K.O.E.S.) ahead of the upcoming party congress.