PASOK is flirting with the risk of splitting up

"George Papandreou must remain in the leadership as long as it is necessary to ensure the unity of PASOK, in a difficult situation for the party and the country", is the motto of his supporters after the last skirmishes of top members with the succession race in the background.

A circle of Papandreou’s supporters is gathering, defending the former prime minister and criticizing those who talk about his retirement from the chairmanship of the party.

Behind this situation is the assessment of players that non-institutional centers will attempt to split the party, so Papandreou has no reason to leave on his own, but will remain in his post to safeguard unity as a guarantor.

On the other hand, his doubters reply "Papandreou makes splitting-up inevitable if he stays in the leadership and does not facilitate developments, as he gives the opportunity to those wishing to leave to do so with ease."

So far this seems like a series of tactical games as assessments that a background to create a new party at the reform center are increasing, aiming at restructuring the political scene and the dissolution of the traditional two-party system.

In any case, the adoption of the budget and the payment of the sixth tranche may release developments in PASOK, as many forces that have not gone public will feel they no longer have a commitment to wait after the first serious target of Papademos’ government for the economy has been reached.

Venizelos is moving more carefully and patiently than the rest, as he has the lead and does not want to lose it due to hasty moves. His colleagues, however, will exert pressure on Papandreou not to delay initiatives any longer.

Loverdos will push until the end so that the new leader gets elected by polls across the country and there are many who believe that his reaction will be unpredictable otherwise.

Chrysochoidis is clearly third in the succession race, but without having fully quantified his position on Sunday.

The MPs moves are still in progress, and interference from Papandreou supporters of the younger generation is expected on Wednesday, such as Thanasis Economou, Odysseas Voudouris and others.

Meanwhile, the movement of the "12" MPs by Charis Kastanidis, who tabled a proposal for the center-left but implicitly supports Papandreou, is interpreted by many as a precursor to a concerted effort to set up a shield around him and with the pretext of a need to make substantial political and ideological discussion, undermine the importance of persons and make the former prime minister untouchable, giving him more time in the party’s leadership.