Katerina Batzeli: Expulsion from PASOK for a Year is an Extreme Decision

Katerina Batzeli described the decision by the Ethics, Statute Application, and Certification Committee (E.D.E.K.A.P.) of PASOK to suspend her party membership for twelve months as an ‘extreme decision’ and an act of ‘fearfulness’ that ‘narrows and divides.’ In her statement, Batzeli criticized the lack of democratic processes in decision-making under the leadership of Nikos Androulakis. She emphasized her belief that ‘opponents are outside party boundaries,’ highlighting her commitment to collective action for societal relevance. The majority vote for her suspension was 8-3. Batzeli noted that such actions represent a stark contrast to the historical democratic procedures of PASOK. During her entrance at Harilaou Trikoupis, she stated, ‘I do not apologize; I am called upon to provide explanations. The memorandum is ready. We will decide together about the next steps; one cycle opens, another closes.’