PASOK Seeks to Break Free from Internal Conflicts and the Katina Batzeli Issue

PASOK is making efforts to break free from the introspection that currently engulfs the party through movements related to citizens’ everyday issues. Recently, Lefteris Karchimakis presented PASOK’s proposal for housing policy, with Nikos Androulakis also intervening on the matter. He highlighted that in Greece, young people leave their parental homes at around 30 years old compared to an average of 26 across Europe. This delay affects family formation and reflects a cultural shift. Androulakis criticized New Democracy’s real estate policies as being development-focused without addressing social issues. Meanwhile, the issue of former MP Katina Batzeli continues to trouble PASOK members, sparking numerous discussions. Some believe the penalty she may face—a year-long suspension of party membership—will ease tensions. Others argue that her transfer signals all sides want to resolve the tension with minimal conflict. If expelled, Batzeli has decided to leave PASOK altogether. Mayor of Athens Haris Douka, who previously opposed her expulsion, now prefers not to exacerbate internal conflicts. Despite these efforts, polls showing declining support for the party complicate matters, with some officials suggesting patience cannot last indefinitely and setting a deadline until the European elections. Beyond this point, all scenarios remain open.