Opinion: The Path Forward for PASOK: Embracing Change, Not Division

11:30 23/9/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Throughout its long history, PASOK has often defined its mission with a single powerful word: "Change." This choice is significant.

The values of social democracy and progressive politics have never aligned with extreme

rhetoric, polarization, or divisiveness.

Phrases like "either we destroy them or they destroy us," which characterized the public discourse during Syriza’'s dominance, have cost both the country and Pasok dearly. Such attitudes have no place in a modern European progressive party.

Pasok has always been about "change," not "overthrow." The call for "overthrow" was primarily associated with Alexis Tsipras, particularly after the 2014 European elections, when the goal was to topple the Samaras-Venizelos government.

However, as history shows, merely chanting slogans like "down with the right" is insufficient.

The attempt to overthrow the ND-Pasok coalition during the crisis did not usher in "better days" but instead prolonged the crisis and led to new memoranda. The most vulnerable members of society paid the highest price. All prospective Pasok leaders clearly want to expand the party’s influence and pursue governance in the future. However, achieving this requires reaching out to a broad spectrum of society. The crucial question is how—what rhetoric and plans will they use?

The context in 2024 is entirely different from that of 2014. Citizens have experienced the hardships of the crisis firsthand and have become wiser and more mature. They expect the same level of maturity and seriousness from their political leaders. This demand for seriousness is reflected in polling data since the European elections.

Can the progressive space provide a solution? Yes, it can.

But it must offer modern answers to today’s challenges, not yesterday’s issues. Solutions need to be grounded in a deep understanding of the contemporary world and the significant global threats we face.

Progressive politics must focus on reducing inequalities, but merely stating this is not enough.

A realistic plan is essential—one that avoids putting the country and its citizens at risk.

While it may sound appealing to engage in confrontational rhetoric against the "establishment" and "markets," history has taught us the consequences of such approaches. A decade ago, similar promises ended up costing ordinary people dearly.

Social democracy can indeed offer a credible alternative for governance and address citizens’ concerns while providing a vision for the country.

Take the example of Keir Starmer in the UK, who achieved a sweeping victory in July through a serious, moderate persona combined with a clear and realistic political program—free of extremes and empty slogans.

The year 2024 is not 2014, and a denunciatory tone does not suit PASOK, nor does it address the problems faced by the country and its people. Phrases like "no more fear and submission" do not belong to Pasok; they are better suited to Jean-Luc Mélenchon and "La France Insoumise."

Pasok has a significant opportunity ahead. As Costas Simitis noted during the anniversary of September 3rd, "Opportunities are not infinite." The chance for PASOK is not merely to pick up the pieces left by Syriza or to engage in a programmatic dialogue with them.

Instead, Pasok must convince the hundreds of thousands of disillusioned and disengaged citizens that it has a coherent plan and a serious alternative for governance. The challenge is qualitative, not quantitative.

Lastly, for the benefit of both seasoned observers and younger generations, the most serious discussions about "reconstructing the center-left" occurred during Simitis's leadership, with a strong, progressive, reformist Pasok as a vital participant, engaging in dialogue with figures like Michalis Papagiannakis—not with the likes of Polakis or Kasselakis.

In this moment of potential, Pasok has the chance to redefine itself, embracing change with a clear vision for the future, while fostering unity rather than division.

By Annie Podimata

Translated by Anthee Carassava

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