The Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament emphasizes that the party’s current polling figures are a “negative development.”

Odysseas Konstantinopoulos describes the latest polling results for PASOK as a “negative development” and stresses that a PASOK functioning as a small party with 7%, 8%, or even 11% has no future.

The PASOK MP underscores that the party’s ultimate goal must be to govern the country. He expresses his support for a two-party system, firmly addresses speculation regarding potential collaboration with SYRIZA and other parties, and reiterates his opposition to PASOK submitting a motion of no confidence jointly with Plefsi Eleftherias.

“PASOK was not created to be a small party. It must inspire hope that it can be the next government of the country. That must be the central objective—this is why we held elections, to find the individual who can lead the country. Otherwise, PASOK, as a minor party with no real substance, hovering at 7%, 8%, or 11%, has no future. We all agree on this, from the President to the party’s last-ranking member,” he states in his interview with REAL FM 97.8.

He further adds:
“When I believe in something, I state it clearly. A while ago, I had expressed my opposition to PASOK co-signing the motion of no confidence with Ms. Konstantopoulou and Ms. Tzagri. I say this despite having passionately defended Ms. Konstantopoulou in Parliament during her incident with Mr. Kyriazidis. However, I believe this move did not send the right message to society. Nevertheless, out of respect for the President’s decision, I signed it.”

On Polling Figures

“The current polling results represent a negative development for PASOK. That is the reality. However, we stand by the President’s commitment that we will be the leading party in the next national elections.

The shifts we are seeing in polling figures are not, in my view, solely due to the Tempi train disaster but also to the growing inequalities in the country, which demand representation. Let me give you a clear example: I recently submitted a parliamentary question highlighting that in 2019, the government collected €17.7 billion in VAT, whereas in 2025, this figure will rise to €26.7 billion. That means Greek citizens are paying an extra €1,200 per person in VAT. Have you ever considered where all this money is going?

Additionally, I remind you that for the fourth consecutive year, banks are reporting massive profits, which in 2024 exceeded €4.7 billion. We need to provide political answers to these issues and represent the people who experience these inequalities.

In any case, given the current complex geopolitical landscape, Greece must have strong governments, as only strong governments can effectively tackle the country’s challenges.

All issues concerning our party were settled in our internal elections just a few months ago. Therefore, no internal problems remain that require resolution. What I insist on is that PASOK has a wealth of people and ideas that must be utilized correctly to express the public sentiment I described earlier.”

On Potential Collaboration with SYRIZA

“Mr. Famellos, despite being recently elected, acknowledges that SYRIZA alone cannot win the elections. Our President presents a different perspective—he states that PASOK will be the first party in the next elections. I cannot hold a different position from that of our President on such a critical issue.”

On a Possible Comeback by Alexis Tsipras

“I have often heard speculation about the return of former Prime Ministers. I understand these discussions, but they seem far-fetched, and I do not believe this is a realistic scenario for Greece today.

The country needs strong governments, and I support the two-party system and the alternation of power because that is what Greece needs. That is where we must focus our efforts.

I trust our President when he says we will be the first party in the elections. Mr. Famellos proposes an alternative strategy, acknowledging that SYRIZA cannot progress on its own. Mr. Androulakis is the only one who can respond to Mr. Famellos’ proposal.”

On the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee

“I am not a member of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee, nor do I participate in the group preparing its strategy, so I cannot provide specific details on the course of action they will take in the coming days.

However, I want to make one point very clear: I believe political parties must move beyond legal disputes and constitutional debates and focus on actual policies. PASOK made a clear political move by referring Mr. Triantopoulos to the judicial system via the inquiry committee, which led to significant political developments. This is a fair and objective reality.

Through this process, we have committed to holding accountable any political figure involved, ensuring that they will face justice.”