No End to PASOK Infighting: Haris Doukas Launches New Attacks at Nationwide Rally

Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, declared, ‘We will not accept a second- or third-place PASOK,’ during a nationwide online rally attended by 850 party members and citizens on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He stressed that without a clear political line and decisive breaks with the Right, PASOK’s goal of first place will recede further. Addressing the current leadership, Doukas posed a central question: why, amid growing public discontent with Mitsotakis’ government, is the Democratic Alignment failing to translate social frustration into electoral momentum—especially as society demands political change? Doukas categorically ruled out any coalition scenario with New Democracy, insisting on a ‘clean’ front and principled ruptures. He criticized internal democratic deficits, citing premature candidate announcements in electoral districts without statutory procedures or collective decisions. He confirmed having formally warned leadership and insisted these practices must end at the upcoming congress—through mass participation and democratic renewal. Doukas proposed primary elections for parliamentary candidates and formation of a ballot committee elected by the base. He clarified that PASOK’s autonomy does not mean isolation, but programmatic dialogue with all progressive forces and civil society. Dismissing rumors of his departure as ‘shameful,’ he affirmed commitment to an independent, winning PASOK campaign. Key policy battlegrounds he highlighted include energy democracy, safeguarding water’s public character, reducing working hours, and dismantling clientelism. Citing his own mayoral victory in Athens—achieved in just 72 days under PASOK’s banner amid widespread reluctance—he underscored the power of clear political identity. Doukas concluded with a battle cry: ‘For the soul and future of the Democratic Alignment—with clean positions, institutional democracy, and social grounding.’ His stance signals escalating tension ahead of the party congress—and a coordinated effort to elect as many allied delegates as possible.