Marinos Skandamis, former PASOK MP and current spokesperson for the Ministry of Citizen Protection in the Greek Left Alliance (ELAS) led by Alexis Tsipras, explained his departure from PASOK as a response to what he described as years of political inconsistency—particularly regarding progressive alliances. Speaking on the radio station Parapolitika 90.1, Skandamis characterized PASOK under leader Nikos Androulakis (not Charilaos Trikoupis, a historical figure mistakenly named in the original Greek text) as a party emitting a ‘double message’: one that ostensibly opens the door to progressive governments, while simultaneously closing it.
‘Double Talk’ and Political Disagreement
“These are situations we’ve experienced for far too long inside PASOK—a pattern of double talk, where one moment it opens the door to progressive governance and the next slams it shut,” Skandamis said. He added pointed criticism toward senior party figures, notably referring to former Minister of National Defence and PASOK leader Nikos Pappas’ predecessor, former Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister Nikos Diamantopoulos—though the Greek text appears to conflate names. Skandamis claimed Diamantopoulos was actively shaping a public profile for New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stating, “From a certain point onward, such actions can no longer be tolerated.”
A Personal, Not Pre-Arranged, Decision
Skandamis emphasized that his move to ELAS was not the result of behind-the-scenes coordination with Tsipras but a personal political choice rooted in long-standing disagreement. “On Monday night there was a phone call, a long discussion—and then I made my decision and moved forward,” he said.
Tsipras: More Mature, More Capable
Regarding Alexis Tsipras, Skandamis described him as markedly more mature and experienced today than in the past—especially in managing economic, social, and political challenges. He asserted that Tsipras “steadfastly guarantees a clear path against New Democracy” and possesses the qualities needed to unite broader democratic forces.
No Full Rejection of PASOK
Skandamis stopped short of dismissing PASOK entirely. He acknowledged that members within the party still uphold socialist, democratic, left-wing, and ecological values—and expressed hope that PASOK would develop a clearer political identity in the future. He also voiced support for post-election cooperation among progressive parties should no single force emerge with an outright governing majority.
ELAS Aims for First Place
Skandamis appeared highly optimistic about ELAS’s electoral prospects. He noted growing grassroots momentum, saying the new coalition is drawing back citizens who had withdrawn from active political participation in recent years. “The big challenge for ELAS is to finish first,” he said. “I see strong mobilization at the base—people who had gradually disengaged are now ‘unbuttoning’ again and viewing ELAS as a serious alternative.”
He concluded with confidence that ELAS has the potential to become the dominant opposition pole—and, under the right conditions, even compete for government.