Greek progressives bicker over who will be main opposition

One week ago, Greek socialists (Pasok) and leftist Syriza were bickering over whether a progressive government between them could work, but after the sweeping victory of the centre-right in the 21 May elections, the topic has shifted to who will be the main opposition in the second round.

Centre-right New Democracy party (EPP) ranked first, scoring 40.8% but fell short of absolute majority to form a government. In the second round, due on 25 June, the centre-right party is expected to form a strong single-party government, a development already hailed by international markets.

However, it seems that the second round will be focused on who is going to lead the main opposition.

Particularly, in the first round, Syriza (EU Left) scored 20.1% – losing 12 percentage points compared to 2019 – while Pasok was 11.4% from 8.1% in 2019.

After the elections, Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis put the blame for New Democracy’s sweeping victory on Syriza chief Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of being the “golden sponsor” of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

For his part, Tsipras made a statement on Monday saying Pasok “celebrated” Syriza’s defeat more than New Democracy.

Syriza insisted before the elections that a progressive government should be formed between the two. Pasok had left the door open but never committed in public.

“In the next election, we have a primary responsibility to prevent the prospect of an all-powerful and uncontrollable ‘ruler’ prime minister”, Tsipras said.

Shocked by the election disaster, Syriza is currently looking to quickly pick up its pieces and significantly improve its performance in the second round.

Meanwhile, Tsipras’ leadership is expected to face serious questions following the second round of the elections.

Read more: Shocked Greek left picks up its pieces after election disaster

According to press reports in Athens, Syriza’s objective is to remain the main opposition and prevent a “convenient systemic bipartisanship”, as it considers Pasok part of the establishment together with New Democracy.

New Democracy and Pasok had been the main political forces in Greek politics since the junta’s fall in 1974 until 2014 when Syriza absorbed many socialist voters.

Pasok now wants to attract votes back from an ailing Syriza.

The leading member of the EU socialist family in Greece is Pasok. However, Tsipras – whose party belongs to the EU left – used to join EU socialist leaders’ gatherings as an observer.

In an interview with EURACTIV before the elections, SPD MEP Udo Bullmann said Syriza has the potential to become a socialist member.

“Syriza has the potential to become a socialist party. And I would be very happy if it continues to develop in that direction,” Bullmann said, reminding though Pasok is the central partner.

(Sarantis Michalopoulos | EURACTIV.com)