Greek Member of Parliament Alexandros Avlonitis has issued a clarifying statement walking back comments about potential government alliances between PASOK and other left-wing political parties, insisting that defeating the ruling New Democracy party requires PASOK to win first place in elections.
Avlonitis, an independent lawmaker representing Corfu who previously belonged to SYRIZA and Stefanos Kasselakis's party, had agreed just days earlier to cooperate with PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.
Speaking on radio station 9.84 shortly after joining forces with PASOK, Avlonitis raised the prospect of forming a governing coalition with rival left-leaning factions. He stated that if the opportunity for a governing partnership arises, parties must set aside personal egotisms, autonomy, and independence to create conditions for a government capable of ruling the country.
Specifying potential partners, Avlonitis said PASOK could enter talks with the Hellenic Left Coalition, a party associated with former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, as well as SYRIZA. He added that PASOK could also discuss cooperation with Zoe Konstantopoulou's Plevsi Eleftherias party, provided those parties enter Parliament, despite what he described as the dynamic yet peculiar nature of Konstantopoulou's character.
Party backlash and clarification
The radio comments sparked immediate pushback within PASOK. Similar controversies over potential political alliances had previously involved Chalkidiki lawmaker Apostolos Panas and party member Vasia Anastasiou.
Following the backlash, Avlonitis posted a statement on social media to clarify his position, maintaining that the defeat of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's New Democracy government can only happen if PASOK finishes as the top party. He stated that PASOK alone holds a comprehensive plan for the country and guarantees true political change.
Avlonitis stated that the political objective for which he joined forces with PASOK is to secure a social majority so the party has the strength to deliver pro-people policies. He stressed that real political change is impossible without political autonomy, adding that PASOK possesses both ideological strength and independence.
Support for party leadership
Pointing to recent polling data, Avlonitis credited Nikos Androulakis's presentation at the Thessaloniki International Fair and PASOK's well-researched platform for driving the party's upward trend in opinion polls.
Avlonitis concluded his statement by calling on all democratic voters to unite behind PASOK and Androulakis. He urged support for a program focused on clear social and development goals, emphasizing a readiness to clash with powerful vested interests.
