The opposition in Greece is experiencing its own “final four” with the prize being second place in the elections: PASOK enters the contest with leader Nikos Androulakis as a “multi-injured player,” both from the issue of forgotten foreign deposits and the property case in Heraklion. In Charilaou Trikoupi, conspiracy theories are being invoked, according to which he is being targeted by New Democracy in order to push him to third place, so that Alexis Tsipras becomes Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ main opponent, because he is considered more manageable.

However, in two measurements conducted so far, Mr. Tsipras is ahead of Mr. Androulakis: in spontaneous responses for the most suitable prime minister (Metron Analysis), the former prime minister received 7% and came second, although far behind Mr. Mitsotakis, while Mr. Androulakis had 6%. At the same time, in an Interview poll, Tsipras’ party slightly surpassed PASOK.

Early June polls will be decisive, as both Maria Karystianou and Mr. Tsipras will have entered the arena, preparing their respective events: the first on May 21 and the second on the 26th, as announced Monday morning via a social media video.

The moves by Tsipras, Karystianou, and Samaras—who appears to be activating political networks nationwide and weighing his next step—are shifting balances across the entire political spectrum.

Ούτε νωρίς ούτε αργά,
τώρα είναι η ώρα. pic.twitter.com/glgqSsKLlO

— Αλέξης Τσίπρας – Alexis Tsipras (@atsipras) May 18, 2026

According to potential vote surveys, Ms. Karystianou, who will present her party next Thursday at Thessaloniki’s “Olympion” cinema with doves and messages of hope, has strong appeal among voters of Greek Solution and Niki, as well as supporters of Zoe Konstantopoulou, spanning both the far-right and left parts of the political spectrum, while also attracting a significant portion of the Centre (18%, according to the latest Pulse measurement) and the Centre-left (27% influence). Her team is also targeting protest voters, estimated at 61% according to Alco.

On his side, Mr. Tsipras has limited access to the Centre but appears to be absorbing much of SYRIZA’s 2023 vote share, with potential support measured at 37% in the Centre-left and 42% on the Left. His goal is to overtake PASOK and appear second in polls following his announcement.

His associates are now working day and night between Amalias and Filellinon streets, where the organizational headquarters has been set up. A key objective is capitalizing on the nationwide tour of “Ithaca,” linked to his autobiographical book, while building a new pool of political personnel across Greece.

Key associates (“inner circle”) include:

• former director of the “Nikos Poulantzas” Institute Jenny Diamantopoulou
• former PASOK deputy labour sector head Marizeta Antonopoulou
• historic Renewal Left figure Dimitris Chalazonitis
• close associate of Alekos Flabouraris, Stelios Apostolou
• former general secretary for administrative reform Grigoris Theodorakis

At the next level, regional groups are being formed nationwide to prepare the transition to the next political phase, coordinated by Giorgos Vassiliadis, Miltos Chatzigiannakis, and Gianna Peppe.

Inside SYRIZA, tensions are rising as the emergence of Tsipras’ new party is perceived by many MPs and officials as meaning forced political retirement. The situation has been intensified by internal conflicts, including disciplinary actions and calls for broader party restructuring or cooperation with other left-wing formations.

At the “Olympion” cinema, Karystianou will present her founding declaration, with her movement rapidly organizing membership registration aiming for over 50,000 members by early summer. The production of her announcement has even included social media live broadcasts and media figures, while discussions continue about her political appeal across ideological lines, including toward traditional PASOK voters.

Samaras’ movements are also being closely watched, with renewed discussions about a potential party that could influence government formation scenarios in case of no parliamentary majority for New Democracy.

Photos: EUROKINISSI