The Panhellenic Socialist Movement, better known as PASOK, has had a tumultuous history since its formation in the 1970s.

Founded on the principles of socialism and democracy, PASOK was initially a force to be reckoned with in Greek politics, winning elections and forming governments for many years. However, the party’s fortunes have changed in recent years, as internal divisions and external challenges have weakened its support base.

In this article, we will explore the divided paths of PASOK, focusing on two key figures who represent different visions for the future of the party: Evangelos Venizelos (Dromocaitio) and Fofi Gennimata (Daphne).

What is PASOK?

Before we delve into the divisions within PASOK, it is worth providing some context about the party itself. As mentioned above, PASOK was founded in 1974, in the aftermath of the military dictatorship that had ruled Greece for seven years.

The party was initially a coalition of left-wing groups, including social democrats, communists, and independents. Its founding principles were based on social justice, democracy, and human rights, and it aimed to provide a viable alternative to the two dominant parties at the time, New Democracy (ND) and the Panhellenic Liberation Movement (PAK).

PASOK quickly gained support from a diverse range of voters, who were attracted to its progressive policies and anti-establishment stance.

In 1981, the party won its first election, under the leadership of Andreas Papandreou, a charismatic and controversial figure who served as prime minister for eight years. During this period, PASOK implemented a series of reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Greeks, including raising wages, expanding healthcare, and increasing social spending.

However, the party also faced criticism for its heavy-handed approach to governance, as well as accusations of corruption and cronyism.

Despite these challenges, PASOK remained a dominant force in Greek politics throughout the 1990s and 2000s. However, as we will see below, the party’s fortunes began to decline in the wake of the global financial crisis.

The Global Financial Crisis and PASOK’s Decline

The global financial crisis that began in 2008 had a profound impact on Greece, which was already struggling with high levels of debt and a weak economy.

In 2009, PASOK won a decisive victory in the general election, under the leadership of George Papandreou, the son of Andreas Papandreou. However, the party inherited a country on the brink of economic collapse, and it faced immense pressure to implement austerity measures and reform the Greek economy.

PASOK’s response to the crisis was controversial and divisive. On the one hand, the party implemented a series of reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and reducing Greece’s debt.

These measures included cuts to public spending, tax hikes, and structural reforms. However, many Greeks felt that these policies were too harsh and unfair, especially as it became clear that political elites and the wealthy had been largely exempt from the cuts.

At the same time, PASOK faced increasing pressure from other political forces, including the far-left Syriza party and the far-right Golden Dawn party.

Syriza, in particular, emerged as a major challenger to PASOK’s dominance, promising to reverse the austerity measures and fight for the rights of ordinary Greeks. Many disillusioned PASOK voters flocked to Syriza, further weakening the party’s support base.

Dromocaitio vs. Daphne: Two Visions for the Future of PASOK

Today, PASOK remains a shadow of its former self. In the 2019 general election, the party won just 1.75% of the vote, failing to secure any seats in parliament.

However, there are still members of the party who believe that it can be revived, and two key figures have emerged as competing visions for the future of the party: Evangelos Venizelos (Dromocaitio) and Fofi Gennimata (Daphne).

Evangelos Venizelos, who served as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs under George Papandreou, is widely seen as a centrist figure within PASOK.

He favors a more pragmatic approach to politics, advocating for alliances with other center-left parties and seeking to build a broader base of support. Venizelos has been a vocal supporter of the European Union and the eurozone, and he believes that Greece’s future lies in closer integration with these institutions.

Fofi Gennimata, on the other hand, is seen as a more left-wing figure within PASOK.

She has long been associated with the party’s traditional socialist values, and she has advocated for policies aimed at reducing inequality and improving social welfare. Gennimata has criticized the austerity measures implemented by PASOK and other parties, arguing that they have harmed the most vulnerable members of Greek society.

She has also called for a more inclusive and grassroots approach to party politics, seeking to engage younger and more diverse voters.

Internal Divisions and the Future of PASOK

While Dromocaitio and Daphne represent different visions for the future of PASOK, their rivalry is not the only factor affecting the party’s fortunes.

In recent years, PASOK has been beset by internal divisions, as various factions jockey for power and influence. Some members of the party are still associated with the old guard, who are seen as tainted by corruption and scandal.

Others, especially younger members, are more interested in building a modern, technocratic party that can appeal to a broader range of voters.

These internal divisions have made it difficult for PASOK to present a unified front, especially in the face of external challenges such as the rise of far-right and far-left parties.

Many Greeks associate PASOK with the failures of the past, including the country’s economic crisis, and it is unclear whether the party can overcome these negative perceptions to regain support.

Conclusion

PASOK’s history is a complicated one, marked by successes and failures, highs and lows. The party was initially founded as a coalition of left-leaning groups, aimed at promoting social justice and democracy in Greece.

However, its response to the global financial crisis, especially the austerity measures implemented under George Papandreou, proved divisive and controversial. Today, PASOK is a party in decline, struggling to find a new identity and a new base of support.

While Dromocaitio and Daphne represent different visions for the future of the party, their rivalry is just one of many factors affecting PASOK’s fortunes. It remains to be seen whether the party can overcome its internal divisions and external challenges to reclaim its place as a major force in Greek politics.