Former SYRIZA MP Rania Thraskia has officially joined PASOK, bringing the party’s parliamentary group to 32 members. On Monday morning, she met with PASOK President Nikos Androulakis at his office in Thessaloniki, where they formalized her transition. The choice of location was symbolic, as both politicians represent Thessaloniki in parliament.
“PASOK is the only force that can be the vehicle for the political change our country needs,” Androulakis stated, welcoming Thraskia as “a young politician with a passion for work and contribution.”
Thraskia, who was elected in 2023 with SYRIZA before becoming independent in December, framed her move as part of uniting progressive forces in Greece. “We must break with everything that deprives us of what we are entitled to. Thessaloniki must finally be at the center of political decisions,” she said. She stated “This path must be progressive, inclusive, and focused on real change.”
Her move to PASOK follows months of discussions with party leadership, as well as her support for PASOK-backed presidential candidate Tasos Giannitsis. With this addition, PASOK continues its effort to strengthen its parliamentary presence and position itself as a key opposition force. PASOK became the main opposition party in November amidst a series of defections from SYRIZA MPs.
PASOK is expected to gain another member soon, as independent MP Petros Pappas, another SYRIZA defectee is reportedly set to join, potentially increasing the party’s seats to 33.
