Nikos Pappas, Secretary of the Central Committee of SYRIZA-PS, has responded to the Parapolitika report on the prospect of cooperation between PASOK and SYRIZA. Speaking on Parapolitika 90.1 radio and the programme “Apenanti Mikrofona” with Vasilis Skouris and Sotiris Xenakis, Nikos Pappas confirmed the existence of behind-the-scenes talks between the two parties, stating that such communication is “self-evident” — especially for “progressive parties that may be called upon to make far more critical decisions after the next ballot.”
He also noted that there is “a categorical refusal from other political forces” regarding the possibility of a joint electoral ticket, adding that such a scenario “does not arise from the current data.” “We will seek to strengthen our position. We will not repeat the mistake of the previous leadership, which waited around hoping something positive would emerge. We are building our electoral lists, strengthening our programme, and taking our own initiatives,” Pappas said.
It is worth recalling that the original Parapolitika report by Giorgos Katsigiannos highlighted that open lines of communication exist between the two parties’ headquarters — Charilaou Trikoupi (PASOK) and Koumoundourou (SYRIZA) — with exploratory contacts taking place through confidential discussions, aimed at bringing the two parties “closer together” ahead of the national elections, initially through parliamentary cooperation. The same report noted that “these discussions, conducted between close associates of N. Androulakis and SYRIZA Central Committee Secretary N. Pappas, are reported to have taken on the character of ‘negotiations’ in a ‘protected environment,’ given that neither side currently wishes to show its hand publicly, for fear of exposure and unwanted internal reactions within either SYRIZA or PASOK.”
Read also: PASOK and SYRIZA alliance in the making, targeting Tsipras: Exploratory contacts and behind-the-scenes talks for a joint electoral run — Nikos Pappas’ role and Androulakis’ stance
Excerpts from Nikos Pappas’ interview on Parapolitika 90.1
Among other things, he noted:
On the Parapolitika report about cooperation with PASOK
N. PAPPAS: First of all, there is a new reality regarding SYRIZA — SYRIZA is present and is reclaiming the political initiative. In three months, we have managed to place key elements of our programme at the centre of public debate, our parliamentary group has grown from 8 to 12 MPs, and we have managed to break down barriers when it comes to dialogue among progressive forces. We held a two-day event where we had participation from PASOK — Mr. Karchimakis — from New Left, Ms. Anagnostopoulou and Mr. Klavdianos on issues of the rule of law and housing, and even Mr. Doukas attended. So the idea of parties engaging in dialogue is not only necessary — it is especially important for progressive parties, which may be called upon to make far more critical decisions after the next election.
N. PAPPAS: What will PASOK MPs do, and what about those looking toward Alexis Tsipras’ party — or indeed Tsipras himself — on the question of the parliamentary inquiry into the loans we have brought before Parliament? Will we push for a debate date to be set quickly? Will we all work together to gather 120 MPs to form the committee? What is their position on the issue of non-performing loans, on making EFKA the national investor, or on maintaining DEI’s public character? We want to strengthen ourselves, to have a strong presence in Parliament, and we are calling on the left-wing and progressive world — those who want these pillars of our programme to be implemented — to support us.
When asked whether there is an open line of communication with PASOK
N. PAPPAS: Exchanging views is not only legitimate — it is self-evident and an ongoing obligation.
When asked whether a joint electoral run between SYRIZA and other progressive parties is possible
N. PAPPAS: That is a scenario which is not easy to discuss — it does not follow from the current data, and there has been a categorical refusal from other political forces. We will seek to strengthen our own position. We will not repeat the mistake of the previous leadership, which waited around hoping something positive would emerge on its own. We are building our electoral lists, strengthening our programme, and taking our own initiatives. You can see that while over the summer everyone was writing SYRIZA off, we are now at the centre of political debate about what our strategy and positioning actually are.
