The PASOK party has launched a direct political challenge against ELAS—the new political movement founded by Alexis Tsipras—following a social media post by Nikos Bistis, a senior ELAS figure, regarding the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnector project.
Call for Clarification
In a formal statement, PASOK’s parliamentary group leader, Charilaos Trikoupis, demanded clarity on whether Bistis’ views reflect the official position of ELAS and its leader. Specifically, PASOK asked: “Is it ELAS’s official stance that the Greece-Cyprus submarine cable should not proceed—or that the project requires approval or consent from a third country, namely Turkey?”
PASOK emphasized that the interconnector is a project of shared European interest, grounded in international maritime law and EU energy policy—not a unilateral act, as Bistis described it. The party stressed the project’s strategic importance for energy security, regional integration, and Cyprus’s full participation in the European electricity grid.
Escalating Political Tensions
The dispute intensified after Bistis criticized PASOK leadership for what he called “right-wing” criticism of the government on national issues. He dismissed PASOK MP Nikos Androulakis’ call for a clear timeline to complete the interconnector as “futile bravado.” Instead, Bistis advocated for a “sober and constructive approach” toward Turkey and referenced “win-win solutions”—a phrase PASOK now demands be defined concretely.
Trikoupis pressed further, questioning what exactly those “win-win solutions” entail—and whether they imply concessions on sovereign rights or legal obligations under international law.
‘New Patriotism’ Under Scrutiny
The most politically charged element of PASOK’s response targets Tsipras directly. Referring to Tsipras’ recent rhetoric about a “new patriotism,” Trikoupis asked: “Is this the ‘new patriotism’ Mr. Tsipras speaks of?” The question signals PASOK’s effort to challenge ELAS’s positioning as a responsible, pro-European, and nationally grounded progressive force with credible governance potential.
Bistis, for his part, argued that foreign policy must avoid symbolic gestures or actions that bypass dialogue with other stakeholders—particularly Turkey—and instead prioritize diplomacy rooted in mutual interest and de-escalation.