Leadership meeting between Venizelos-Loverdos

Two leading PASOK figures are expected to meet on Friday afternoon to discuss the issue of the party’s leadership shift. Venizelos and Loverdos, two high-ranking government officials, will have the chance to talk through the matter following George Papandreou’s decision to speed up the relevant process.

Nevertheless, for the moment it remains unknown whether Papandreou will leave or if he even wishes to abandon his position as the party’s president, a party founded in 1974 by his father, Andreas Papandreou. Moreover, it is not clear yet which procedure will be followed to elect the new president – if it will be done just like in 2007, by the party members and friends, or by the PASOK parliamentary group.

According to present evidence, both Finance minister Venizelos and Health minister Loverdos will be candidates for the position if - finally - Papandreou gives the go-ahead, so that they can assert their leadership.
     
Development minister Michalis Crhrissohoidis has also expressed interest.