Haris Doukas, Athens’ Mayor and candidate for the leadership of opposition party PASOK in the upcoming October 6 elections, has presented his vision for the party’s return to power. Speaking from the Central Committee meeting held at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, on Sunday, Doukas analyzed the current political landscape and outlined his thoughts on the future.
He emphasized that, while Greek society is increasingly turning away from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, this is not enough. According to Doukas, the last election saw people staying home, disillusioned with a political system that ‘does not inspire or address their concerns and aspirations.’
Doukas criticized the party for lacking a clear political identity during key moments, describing PASOK’s recent stance as an attempt to appease everyone without making decisive choices. ‘We must stand tall and make a fresh start,’ he declared, calling for a bold new beginning for the party.
He went on to reaffirm PASOK’s foundational mission, emphasizing that they were established to provide a voice to the voiceless.
He stated that their purpose has always been to take on the responsibility of governing the country, and that they must do so with courage, decisiveness, and without excuses. He highlighted the need for a clear plan and strong social alliances to achieve this goal.
Doukas stressed that PASOK has the people, resources, and talent to face the significant challenges of today.
However, he argued, ‘We need new answers, bold new policies. Enough with managerial thinking and so-called technocratic approaches, enough with wishful thinking about future prosperity. Enough with compromises, mediocrity, and fear of the powerful.’
He concluded with a pledge to end the ‘centralized state, controlled by the Greek prime minister’s office, clientelism, and opaque dealings’, promising to implement ‘the third and greatest wave of decentralization.’
