Pasok’s beleaguered leader Nikos Androulakis has defended his leadership record, admitting that his party’s poor performance in recent elections triggered his call for a leadership race this fall.
Speaking to a local broadcaster and emphasising achievements such as reopening local chapters and securing victories in municipal elections, Mr. Androulakis said his tenure saw Pasok’s political fortunes grow from a support base of 8 percent to 13 percent.
Still, despite Pasok’s improved performance in the European elections, dissent from leading party members grew, forcing the socialist leader as he said to “promptly calling for a leadership race, aiming to foster unity.”
Athens mayor Haris Doukas was the first to openly contend. Former culture minister Pavlos Geroulanos, Milena Apostolaki and Michalis Katrinishave since then announced their candidacies for the October 6 race.
If no candidate secures an absolute majority of votes, a second round will be held the week after.
PASOK’s recent performance in the European elections kept it in third position, snatching just 12.8 percent of the vote.