The PASOK – Movement for Change opens its conference today against a backdrop of prolonged internal tensions, following months of clashes over strategy, the so-called issue of the “frozen polling momentum,” and the recent removal of Odysseas Konstantinopoulos from a key role. At the center of debate is the party’s effort to relaunch itself ahead of the upcoming elections.

Although internal party balances appear to favor the leadership camp, PASOK’s attempt to expand its influence in society faces significant challenges and remains far from its stated goal of “winning even by one vote” against New Democracy.

These tensions are also driving ongoing internal conflicts, despite efforts to present “compromise solutions” as a form of reconciliation—at least for the duration of the 4th Congress, held at the Tae Kwon Do Indoor Hall.

A key development is the position of Haris Doukas, whose proposal for a clear “no” to post-election cooperation with New Democracy is expected to be incorporated into the final political resolution and approved by the Congress.

Behind the scenes, tensions have been high along the Harilaou Trikoupi Street political axis. However, following mediation efforts led by Kostas Skandalidis and discussions with Doukas on March 25, the relevant provision—reportedly Article 13—rejecting cooperation with New Democracy is expected to be unanimously adopted.

Senior party figures such as Pavlos Geroulanos, Manolis Christodoulakis, Michalis Katrinis, and Anna Diamantopoulou also support closing any ambiguity regarding post-election alliances, aiming to send a clear message to voters.

The Congress opens with a speech by party leader Nikos Androulakis, who is expected to emphasize unity ahead of national elections. He will likely call for cohesion within the party and outreach to broader progressive forces, positioning PASOK as a central pillar of a future progressive government.

A key question remains whether this outward-looking strategy can reverse the party’s stagnant polling trends in the crucial pre-election period. Party leadership and cadres agree on the need to intensify collective efforts, while avoiding internal actions that could undermine unity during the electoral battle.

At the same time, Androulakis is not expected to pursue further disciplinary actions that could reignite tensions. Nevertheless, debates over key political and organizational issues are anticipated during the Congress.

One controversial proposal concerns changing party procedures so that a Congress is held before the leadership election, reversing the current sequence.

Another important test will be the election of the Central Committee, where several prominent figures—including Doukas and Diamantopoulou—will compete for strong positions. Close associates of Androulakis, such as Kostas Tsoukalas, Lefteris Karchimakis, Thanasis Glavinas, and Olga Markogiannaki are also expected to play a key role.

Doukas may receive support from figures aligned with Geroulanos and Katrinis, while veteran PASOK figure Christos Protopapas is also entering the race. Christodoulakis aims to secure representation for allies such as Tonia Antoniou. Meanwhile, Geroulanos’ camp is expected to back candidates like Kostas Pantazis and others.

The Congress also reflects PASOK’s broader “enlargement” strategy. Skandalidis will serve as President of the Congress, while thematic discussions will feature figures such as Nikolas Farantouris and Athina Linou.

Farantouris, an independent MEP formerly associated with SYRIZA, appears to be moving closer to PASOK, though he has not confirmed a formal affiliation. Speaking publicly, he described PASOK as a “coherent political pole” capable of rallying democratic forces, while emphasizing that any cooperation would be based on programmatic convergence rather than political expediency.

He also pointed to a broader concern among voters about the lack of a credible alternative government proposal, in what was widely interpreted as indirect criticism of Alexis Tsipras.

The second day of the Congress will feature speeches by former PASOK leaders and prime ministers George Papandreou and Evangelos Venizelos, both expected to sharply criticize the government and outline their perspectives on domestic and international developments.

Additional contributions will come from senior party officials including Doukas, Geroulanos, Katrinis, Christodoulakis, Diamantopoulou, and Nadia Giannakopoulou, focusing on strategy, party organization, and post-election scenarios.

PASOK’s national strategy will be presented by Dimitris Mantzos, while key elements of the party’s program will be outlined by Karchimakis. Proposed statutory changes will be introduced by Iraklis Douros (note: name corrected from likely misspelling).

The Congress will conclude with plenary speeches and voting for the new Central Committee and other party bodies.