Without prolonged or intense applause, but with a noticeably larger turnout than last year—and with widespread concern over PASOK’s performance in the lead-up to the next critical electoral “milestones”—the party marked its 51st anniversary yesterday at the Zappeion.

The celebration opened in the afternoon with a thematic session inside the venue, focused on Greece’s demographic challenge. Former minister and university professor Tasos Giannitsis was the keynote speaker, joined by experts and PASOK’s policy heads, who presented their analyses and proposals.

In the front rows sat party leader Nikos Androulakis, head of Political Planning Anna Diamantopoulou, MEPs Nikos Papandreou and Yannis Maniatis, MPs, and senior officials from Harilaou Trikoupis. Further back, PASOK members followed the proceedings—sometimes listening intently, sometimes exchanging sharp remarks and questions about how the party can amplify its message beyond its own ranks.

Meanwhile, outside the main hall, organizers were busy checking name tags on seats in front of the podium, which this year was positioned facing away from the Zappeion gate.

As the sun began to set, the courtyard filled steadily. More guests arrived, many standing, and most stayed until the close of the event, which ended with a concert by Kostas Makedonas.

Among those present were Evangelos Venizelos, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, several mayors from Attica, regional governors Stavros Arnaoutakis (Crete) and Dimitris Kouretas (Thessaly), Pavlos Geroulanos, members of PASOK’s parliamentary group and Political Council, former parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, and former ministers including Michalis Karchimakis, Christos Protopapas, and Manolis Othonas (the latter two close collaborators of the late Fofi Gennimata). Attendees from across generations honored the gathering, which began with a tribute to founder Andreas Papandreou and a video wall homage to former prime minister and party leader Costas Simitis, who passed away last January.

“Last year, President Simitis was here and reminded us in a few words that opportunities are not infinite,” one PASOK official remarked to a colleague, underscoring that the party’s path to recovery now faces tangible limits. Looming large in conversations were concerns about fluctuating poll numbers, the potential return of Alexis Tsipras, and the lasting mark he may leave on the center-left.

The unifying atmosphere did not last long

Later, after the event at Zappeion, another phrase from an interview with Pavlos Geroulanos began to “tease” the unity climate, according to some. “The Duka’s progress has been delayed because he ran in the internal party elections,” Geroulanos said.

“Whether I am judged as a good mayor or a bad one is up to the citizens. What I can say with certainty is that I am giving my very best. Still, I must admit I am both surprised and saddened that today—September 3, a day of unity, remembrance, and honor, a day meant to show that we stand together as one and can create the conditions for change within PASOK—we are instead faced with such divisions.

I believe that in the immediate future, Mr. Geroulanos, who is also an MP for Athens and someone I am sure wants to see the city’s problems solved, should stand with me in the great battles that lie ahead—whether that is on the issue of V. Olga or many others. These are the big changes we want to achieve.

My office is always open, and I expect him to come forward so that we can discuss the issues that truly concern our citizens. What is crucial,” Haris Doukas added on Kontra, “is that we confront the challenges facing our country together and work to create the conditions for change and renewal—without introversion and without friendly fire.”

Speaking to Action24, Anna Diamantopoulou supported the initiatives of the Mayor of Athens, while sending messages in all directions on the occasion of the 3rd of September, she reminded the need for the party to hold a congress immediately.

“Our Congress, just as in the past, must present a new kind of party—one that can once again integrate and bring together different views, experiences, and generations through organized and effective operation. The choice before us is one!” emphasized Mrs. Diamantopoulou.

“Alongside the difficult, complex, and everyday problems our country faces, we must also provide a patriotic vision for the 21st century—one that inspires Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha. These are generations not tied to memories of the past, but to dreams of the future.”

Together with Lefteris Karhimakis, Mrs. Diamantopoulou has assumed a key role in shaping the program that PASOK, under its leadership, will present at the Thessaloniki International Fair.

Nikos Androulakis presented the main axes (such as the demographic and housing issues) in his speech yesterday, while attacking both former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.