Nikos Androulakis Rejects Coalition Talks with Socrates Famellos

In an indirect but clear manner, Nikos Androulakis responded negatively to Socrates Famellos’ call for progressive forces to unite, even suggesting a joint ballot in the upcoming elections to defeat Kyriakos Mitsotakis and achieve progressive democratic renewal. “The people don’t wait for scenarios or backroom deals; they wait for solutions. New Democracy will leave when the Greek people see a complete program of solutions to improve their lives,” stated Androulakis. He elaborated further, questioning whether coalition-building among parties reduces their audience and ultimately benefits New Democracy. Androulakis emphasized his commitment to the PASOK electorate, who have elected him twice as president, stressing the need for the Greek public to have a viable government and program alternative to New Democracy in the next national elections. Internally facing pressure from a strong anti-SYRIZA faction within his party, Androulakis seems reluctant to collaborate with Famellos’s party, viewing it as a sign of weakness. Despite poor polling numbers, he attributes this to government manipulation, accusing them of creating fear reminiscent of the 2015 crisis. He reiterated that PASOK aims to govern again and criticized Mitsotakis for leaving Greece in last place regarding purchasing power in Europe while corruption has escalated.