Party officials and MPs are voicing deep concern over PASOK’s inability to make a significant poll leap and strengthen its position against New Democracy, as discussions continue during their tours across Greece.

At the same time, the issue of post-election alliances remains a source of tension, with two distinct approaches emerging regarding the “yes” or “no” PASOK might decide on when approached after the next elections. No firm decisions have been made yet, as the date for the PASOK Congress has not been set, though it could be scheduled before the end of the year.

Geroulanos’ Intervention

Paulos Geroulanos sent a pointed warning to Harilaou Trikoupi, stressing that time is limited and opportunities to shift momentum are not infinite. Speaking at a PASOK event in Aridaia, Pella, he referenced the party’s recent polling record, stating:

“Unfortunately, we have very little time. If the needle doesn’t move in the next two months, it will be difficult to shift it before the elections. Now is the time. Citizens are waiting for us, and we must act now.”

Geroulanos emphasized that he is actively present in this effort and highlighted the need for substantial changes in PASOK’s operations and initiatives to move the needle in time. He criticized the party’s institutional inertia, noting that core bodies like the Political Center and the elected Political Council rarely convene, and the Central Organizing Committee for the Congress remains understaffed despite having a leader since July. Without immediate coordinated initiatives, he warned, new political actors could emerge.

Though he did not explicitly mention scenarios like Alexis Tsipras’ “return” or the creation of a new party, Geroulanos cautioned that small, Trump-like figures could appear in the political landscape, noting the influence of foreign funding. He suggested leveraging PASOK’s strong presence at the Thessaloniki International Fair to connect with receptive citizens.

Dukas-Diamantopoulou Dialogue

At the upcoming Congress—rumored for November—post-election collaboration will be a central discussion. Party members, including Haris Doukas, oppose cooperation with New Democracy and call for a formal Congress decision.

A notable exchange occurred between Doukas and Anna Diamantopoulou during Art Athina 2025 at Zappeio:

“We are the two souls of PASOK,” said Doukas.
“Fine, do you want us to become one?” replied Diamantopoulou. Observers say the conversation, which lasted for some time, ended there, reflecting the ongoing debate among the 2024 leadership contenders.

Sachinidis Launches New Think Tank

Before the Congress and other new developments in the fragmented center-left, a new platform—Progressive Lab—has been established to provide fresh ideas for progressive policies, aiming to drive economic, social, cultural, and political momentum.

The lab is led by former minister and current Political Council member Filippos Sachinidis, who has criticized Nikos Androulakis for the party’s functioning. The scientific committee also includes Fragkiskos Koutentakis, Professor at the University of Crete and a former key member of Alexis Tsipras’ economic team.

“Progress is not just a slogan but a daily choice. Citizens’ prosperity comes from progressive reforms, institutional strengthening, and targeted interventions, not solely market forces. Progressive Lab aims to produce actionable policy ideas, where research and boldness combine for a fairer, more resilient, dynamic, and inclusive Greece.”

Organizational Structure

Organizing Committee

• Giorgos Papadopoulos – Lawyer, President
• Olga Gourdomichali – Biologist, PhD in Neuroscience, Vice President
• Dimitra Villiou – Communications & Strategy, General Secretary
• Sotirios Varelas – Associate Professor, Panteion University, Member
• Nikos Mitos – Political Scientist, Economist, Member
• Thanasis Serepas – Electronics Engineer, Entrepreneur, Member
• Petros Psychis – Mathematician, Researcher, Member

Scientific Committee Coordinator

• Filippos Sachinidis – Economist

Scientific Committee Members

• Eugenia Arvaniti – Professor, University of Patras
• Thanos Vavatsikos – Associate Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
• Angeliki Gazi – Associate Professor, Panteion University
• Athina Karatzogianni – Professor, University of Leicester
• Spyros Kosmidis – Associate Professor, University of Oxford
• Fragkiskos Koutentakis – Assistant Professor, University of Crete
• Thodoris Koutmeridis – Assistant Professor, University of Glasgow
• Dimitrios-Dionysios Koutsouris – Emeritus Professor, NTUA
• Manolis Manioudis – Assistant Professor, University of Patras
• Theodoros Mitrakos – Economist, former Deputy Governor, Bank of Greece
• Giorgos Oikonomidis – Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business
• Argyris Passas – Emeritus Professor, Panteion University
• Georgios Soultis – Assistant Professor, TEI Larisa (retired)
• Ilias Tzavalas – Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business
• Nikos Choutas – PhD in Modern History, Panteion University