High-Risk Move: Androulakis’s Expulsion of Batsi Fills DETh’s Basket with ‘Law and Order’ Code

The headline could have been ‘The Timeline of a Predicted Expulsion.’ Last night, the former minister, under Nicos Androulakis’s directive, was expelled from PASOK for a year due to statements about toxic opposition and implying that the president is being pressured, as claimed by Nikos Pappas of SYRIZA. The decision was predetermined. On April 10, a column announced an ‘exit from PASOK for a year for Batsi’ after consultations with a member of Androulakis’s inner executive team. Despite pressure to reduce the penalty for the 45-year-old PASOK member, the stance remained firm until the last moment. The risk taken by expelling Batsi is significant. With PASOK potentially falling below 10% in polls and trailing behind Zoe Konstantopoulou, it’s uncertain whether this move will be seen as a show of strength or a misstep fueling internal divisions. Haris Doukas, who reached the leadership summit but didn’t take the plunge, issued a statement before the official decision. ‘PASOK is a democratic party,’ he said. ‘Free expression is non-negotiable and foundational to democracy and PASOK since its inception.’ He criticized expulsions as ineffective solutions to political problems. Batsi supported the Athens mayor in his leadership race, making her expulsion easier. Ethical standards are declining in PASOK, unity is needed, and Androulakis faces significant challenges ahead. DETh’s basket is filling up with pre-election promises like tax cuts, wage increases, and bonuses. Kyriakos Mitsotakis leads efforts to reconnect with lost voter bases through various initiatives, focusing on marginalized groups and strengthening ties with the Church post-marriage equality regulation. Meanwhile, Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasizes law and order following recent incidents, warning against unauthorized gatherings in densely populated areas.