PASOK: Nikos Androulakis Furious with Katerina Batzeli Over Controversial Statements

The scenario remains open as the Ethics Committee of PASOK convenes this Wednesday afternoon (02.04.2025) to decide how to handle the controversial statements made by former MP Katerina Batzeli. The remarks were in response to Charilaou Trikoupis’s answer to SYRIZA MP Nikos Pappas, referencing the infamous ’13-0′ incident. Sources indicate that Nikos Androulakis, currently in New York for Greece’s Independence Day celebrations, expressed significant frustration during discussions with party officials. Batzeli, while commenting on Trikoupis’s reply, stated: “It is toxic and incorrect to claim that Mr. Androulakis is being pulled by his right wing. However, PASOK, a serious and institutional party, cannot indulge in such toxicity. Justice has been served; let’s move on.” The last 17 words of her statement particularly angered Androulakis, as they seem to adopt the rhetoric used against PASOK. Party insiders report that members close to Androulakis are seeking a resolution that avoids escalating tensions but also sends a strong message. A potential solution involves suspending Batzeli’s party membership for six months, though other options are under consideration. When contacted by party secretary Andreas Spyropoulos to revise her statement, Batzeli reportedly refused. The Ethics Committee, largely aligned with Androulakis, will hear from the member tomorrow before making a decision unlikely to contradict Androulakis’s wishes. Notably, party spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas emphasized the need for unity, stating: “We must ensure a united voice against our true opponent, New Democracy, and focus on policies representing middle and working-class interests.”