Behind-the-scenes processes are underway for the formation of candidate lists that will compete for the new leadership of GSEE this coming Sunday at the 39th GSEE Congress, under the shadow of Yiannis Panagopoulos’ involvement in a black money case, as well as the formation of an “alternative” coalition by forces originating from PASOK.
The PASOK and left alliance in GSEE
Specifically, many participants believe that PASKE will not face problems at the congress, since the forces of each faction had elected representatives in 95% of trade union organizations before Yiannis Panagopoulos’ involvement in the scandal “broke out.” However, according to information, several “green” trade unionists are moving toward forming a separate coalition with forces from the left, aiming to create an “opposition front” against the GSEE president. Leading this movement is former OTOE president and current secretary of PASOK’s trade union wing, Giorgos Motsios, for whom it remains unconfirmed whether he is acting under the “blessings” of party leader Nikos Androulakis or is limited to “revenge” – i.e., retaliation because Panagopoulos’ divisive intervention in OTOE led PASOK’s faction to lose the Federation’s presidency to DAKE.
Charilaou Trikoupi street has not officially expressed a position, as recently many PASKE members threatened – in a letter to the president – that if he continued his support for the trade union sector, which they characterize as a “partisan system,” they would leave the party. According to the same sources, G. Motsios has reached an agreement with Thanos Vasilopoulos (food sector) from the left tendency, while he is in negotiations with SYRIZA’s leader in GSEE, Nikos Fotopoulos (DEH). Characteristic of the above is the fact that the “strong” PASOK trade union figure from the supermarket sector, Yiannis Bouleros, has so far not joined either of the two formations, maintaining a wait-and-see stance.
The same “line” is followed by Yiannis Panagopoulos’ enemy, whom he expelled from GSEE, Dimitris Karageorgopoulos, who is elected by casino workers. Mr. Karageorgopoulos states that despite his personal disagreement with Panagopoulos, which “is based exclusively on the fact that for 20 years he refuses to organize a democratic PASKE congress where new leadership with age renewal would emerge,” no other disagreement exists with “his remaining comrades in PASKE, with whom they share a common path and struggles.” According to GSEE’s official announcement, the 39th Congress takes place at a particularly critical period for the world of labor and is called to constitute a point of substantial dialogue, accountability, and planning for the future of the trade union movement.
During the congress that began yesterday, an assessment of the Confederation’s actions for the previous period will take place, while the basic axes and priorities of GSEE for the next period will be determined. At the same time, the Confederation’s new bodies will be elected: the Administrative Council, the Audit Committee, and the General Council.
