Experienced party insiders note that, as with every Congress, unexpected clashes could emerge during the upcoming votes on the party’s statute, scheduled within the next few hours.

Political Messages in Focus

All eyes are on the top leaders’ speeches at the Tae Kwon Do arena, where, on the second day of the Congress, they are outlining the “yes” and “no” positions regarding PASOK’s strategic roadmap toward the elections.

The focus is not solely on rejecting post-election cooperation with New Democracy — a point that Haris Dukas will emphasize — but also on PASOK’s approach to two potential scenarios: victory or defeat in the elections. Party members and MPs are discussing strategies for the “next day,” stressing the need for unity and a rapid political restart within the limited time before the national vote. Delegates are aware of these pressures and frequently comment on the “climate of purges for differing opinions” that preceded the Congress. Any attempt to polish the party’s image during the event will fade if PASOK fails to achieve significant poll gains.

The battle for even a narrow victory over New Democracy will be challenging, and the planned amendment to the statute allowing the first-party bonus of 50 parliamentary seats could prove unnecessary.

Leaders and Strategic Priorities

Alongside Dukas, Geroulanos, Diamantopoulou, Manolis Christodoulakis, Milena Apostolaki, MPs, senior members from across Greece, and former PASOK leaders George Papandreou and Evangelos Venizelos will speak today on the Congress stage. Topics include the Middle East conflict, national priorities, and PASOK’s strategy in navigating critical political dilemmas. While criticizing the government is expected for an opposition party, its impact depends on broad societal resonance.

The Congress serves as a launchpad for PASOK to define the “rules of the game,” identify key actors, and establish strategies for pursuing goals. Senior figures stress the need for a clear line on all crucial issues, transparency on potential coalition scenarios, and prioritizing daily dialogue to reconcile differing viewpoints.

“Anyone who thinks there is a scenario of cooperation with those who orchestrated my political and moral destruction is out of touch with reality,” said Androulakis, adding: “Our goal is to defeat New Democracy, and in this fight, you must give your full effort, from the front lines. Together for victory, for political change, and for a values-based revolution against the corruption and impunity of New Democracy.”

Dukas, Geroulanos, Katrinis, and others have advocated clear positions on these issues from the outset. Today, Dukas will clarify that he supports the proposed article in the declaration, while outlining the critical details he requested for inclusion in the political resolution. Geroulanos, Dukas, Katrinis, and Christodoulakis will each emphasize that if PASOK fails to win, it must continue fighting from the opposition.

Potential Tensions in Votes

Insiders expect sudden clashes during votes on the party statute, as often occurs in Congresses. Disagreements have already emerged over the proposal to hold a Congress before leadership elections, highlighting “emergency measures” in a defeat scenario. Tomorrow, ballots for the new Central Committee will be cast, with the internal contest shaping political alliances and power dynamics among senior PASOK members.