Pangalos: I am done with politics

"I made this decision as I have already been in parliament for 35 years and it's time to hand over the baton to the young," Pangalos said.

He clarified that he will strive to maximize the success of PASOK and predicted that whichever party emerges at the top will not have political autonomy.

"The two major parties have shown that they cannot govern together even if a large part of the decisions to be made is prescribed."

He also said that the discussion on the election date is unpleasant and that the initiative lies with the PM. Referring to the two-year PASOK administration, he conceded that there were institutional changes they should have initiated. He argued that there should be a revision of the movement’s profile and restoration of internal democracy.

He expressed his opposition regarding parades, noting that he cannot understand why we must have army and student parades. Asked to comment on the reactions and the episodes against politicians and other people, Pangalos said that "we live in a state of terrorism by the minorities" and there is a "progressive destruction of the Constitution and its basic laws."

He blamed KKE for the recent strike at the ports. "The Communist Party stops ships and crews that want to work. By blocking the boats with organised teams, we are increasing the number of the unemployed," he said.

Pangalos’ attack brought on an intervention by KKE representative Makis Mailis. "What cannot be tolerated is slander and provocation. And Pangalos is used to both of these," Mailis said.