Yannis Vardakastanis, Secretary of PASOK, has sent a clear message of party discipline amid escalating internal tensions between Anna Diamantopoulou and Haris Doukas. Speaking on Thursday, 18 June 2026, on the radio station Parapolitika 90.1, Vardakastanis described both politicians’ recent statements as “misguided” and urged all party members to fully align with collective decisions taken at the party congress.
A Call for Unity and Discipline
Vardakastanis sought to close the latest internal rift in PASOK — triggered by public disagreements over policy direction — emphasizing that debate should return to the party’s programmatic agenda, not personal or public divergences. “From time to time, we hear statements that steer things off course,” he said, adding that as Secretary, he is obligated to call on all members to strictly adhere to congress decisions.
He warned that failure to align would ultimately be judged by Greece’s democratic electorate. Vardakastanis reiterated his earlier criticism of Athens Mayor Haris Doukas’ initial remarks, and extended it to Diamantopoulou — who leads PASOK’s Political Planning department — calling her intervention equally misguided for reviving controversy rather than resolving it internally. “Different views can and should be submitted through party organs — not turned into public disputes,” he stressed.
Economic Narrative and Internal Authority
Vardakastanis also offered a nuanced take on Greece’s fiscal image, suggesting that while external perceptions may appear positive, the country’s real challenges — inequality, poverty, social exclusion, and the housing crisis — must remain central to any honest assessment.
When asked about possible expulsions or disciplinary measures, he was unequivocal: such decisions rest solely with PASOK President Nikos Androulakis. “If any action is to be taken, it will be decided by the President. My role is to uphold the party line and maintain focus on our goals,” Vardakastanis said, concluding with a pointed reminder: “Anything that falls outside that focus is, by definition, off-message.”