The representatives of former internal tendencies of PASOK announced by headquarters on Harilaou Trikoupi Street range from figures associated with the Simitis era, such as Giorgos Sakellion, to individuals linked to the period of Akis Tsochatzopoulos, such as Lefteris Tziolas, as well as members connected to the circle of Kostas Laliotis, including Alexis Voulgaris.

The expanded structure of 44 members announced today by Kostas Skandalidis reflects a strong sense of continuity, as it includes figures with long trajectories in PASOK and in past PASOK-led governments.

Many of these individuals had previously stepped back from active roles or had moved toward SYRIZA following the turbulent memorandum period during the government of George Papandreou, when PASOK experienced significant political losses. Conversely, there are—at least at this stage—no newcomers who might bring notable electoral gains or a fresh public image.

It is indicative that several of those announced have been associated with PASOK since the 1980s or even earlier. Under the political conditions of that era, many had aligned themselves with internal party groupings that once competed within the then-dominant movement.

Examining the composition of this first phase of expansion, the following groupings can be identified:

Figures Associated with the Simitis Era

From a historical perspective, individuals closely identified with the “modernization” current include:

• Giannis Kalogirou, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Development, who maintained close personal ties with the late former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and publicly supported Anna Diamantopoulou in the most recent internal party elections.
• Christos Smyrlis-Liakatás, dentist and former MP for Aetolia-Acarnania, who belonged to the core of the modernization-oriented group of that period.
• Giorgos Sakellion, physician, former mobilization coordinator for Kostas Simitis and former Secretary General of Youth, also a supporter of Anna Diamantopoulou.
• Theodoros Papatheodorou, academic and former deputy minister during the Papandreou–Samaras coalition government. Although he had been aligned with Andreas Loverdos’ party Democrats, he chose not to follow Loverdos into New Democracy, opting instead to return to PASOK.

Figures Associated with the Laliotis Circle

The expansion also reflects connections to Kostas Laliotis. Beyond the longstanding personal relationships the senior PASOK figure maintains with returning officials, several were close collaborators and members of his circle, particularly during their involvement in PASOK Youth.

Among those most closely associated with this tradition are:

• Alekos Voulgaris, former Deputy Minister of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works during Laliotis’ tenure.
• Fotis Chatzimichalis, former Secretary of PASOK Youth and former Deputy Minister of Agricultural Development during the Simitis administration.
• Petros Sfikakis, prominent lawyer, former Secretary General of Youth, and close associate of former SYRIZA minister Giorgos Panousis.

Figures Associated with the Tsochatzopoulos Period

The reintegration also includes individuals who were once closely aligned with Akis Tsochatzopoulos, such as:

• Former MP for Halkidiki Giannis Drivelengas
• Former Deputy Minister of Labour Lefteris Tziolas
• Former Deputy Minister of Public Works and MP for Kavala Giannis Tsaklidis
• Former Deputy Minister of National Economy and MP for Magnesia Rodoula Zissi
• Long-serving Secretary of the Thessaloniki Prefectural Committee Kostas Mamelis
• Former PASOK Youth Secretary Nikos Mademlis, who later joined SYRIZA
• Lawyer Agis Tatsis, also originating from PASOK Youth

Panagiotis Dimitroulopoulos, former MP and Prefect of Ilia, was associated with the political circle of Gerasimos Arsenis.

Figures Associated with the Papandreou Era

Figures linked to the Papandreou period include former MP for Karditsa Maria Theocharis and former MP for Evros Eleni Tsiaousi, who left the party in 2012 during the leadership of Evangelos Venizelos. Also associated with this period is former Deputy Minister and MP for Serres Markos Bolaris.