The sharp political clash between the government and PASOK has intensified once again, centered on a property in Heraklion owned by the family of PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis — currently leased by the Hellenic Cadastre. On Friday, May 15, 2026, PASOK’s spokesperson Costas Tsoukalas responded forcefully to government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, accusing the administration of orchestrating a targeted campaign against the opposition leader.
Escalation After Marinakis’ Remarks
The tension between PASOK’s headquarters on Charilaou Trikoupi Street and the Maximos Mansion reignited following Marinakis’ televised comments on ANT1, where he replied to Androulakis’ earlier allegation of a ‘political assassination operation’. Marinakis had dismissed the claim with the phrase: ‘Whoever sows winds reaps storms’, suggesting Androulakis was escalating personal attacks and turning political debate into an endless judicial dispute over cases already before the courts.
Tsoukalas accused Marinakis of effectively admitting that the government resorts to ‘mud-slinging as retaliation’ against PASOK’s push for transparency and justice. ‘We will not stop fighting for justice and political autonomy,’ he declared, adding pointed questions directed at the government: Would Marinakis ask New Democracy ministers holding foreign bank accounts, mutual funds, or bonds abroad to repatriate those assets? Would he urge ND MPs with legally valid rental agreements or contracts involving public entities to terminate them — given the government’s own rhetoric labeling such arrangements ‘unethical’?
A Sharp Postscript
In a notably acerbic postscript, Tsoukalas said: ‘At the next “Truth” Forum on fake news, organize a panel with you, Mr. “Zukov”, and Mr. “Dimitris Katakouzenos”. It would be a great opportunity for us all to finally meet Mr. Katakouzenos.’
Marinakis had earlier responded mockingly to references to ‘Katakouzenos’, saying he only knew Konstantinos Katakouzenos from the popular Greek TV series Konstantinou kai Elenis. He also quipped that if PASOK continues responding this way, it risks sharing the fate of the fictional party ‘BYZAN’ — a satirical political group from the same series known for its rapid collapse.