In September of 1974 Andreas Papandreou founded PASOK, setting aside his paternal ties with the pre-junta Center Union and recognizing the change of political and social conditions.
A party-movement (as he named it) which “usurped” images and slogans from the great moments of the democratic faction and the entire nation. A liberal yet conciliatory party, which came to blows with the establishment forces, but simultaneously flattered the populist sections, by giving a role and opportunity to people and forces that had no chance to stand on their own.
Within three election campaigns that party managed to win the hears of the Greek people and dominated the country’s political scene for decades.
Over the years it had a decisive impact on Greek affairt. It changed policies, financial and social structure and it transformed.
The party founder, when faced with harsh reality, had to take decisions that did not comply with his founding actions and ideas.
From an EU and NATO denier he gradually became an enthusiast and supporter of the European integration and the Atlantic Alliance.
His party went from a national populist to urban-authoritarian; its officers were also charmed by the goods that the urban life had to offer and thus changed their direction, they got involved with wealth and private interests, lost their populist edge and along with it, their concern for the land.
In the critical historical moments, especially after joining the Eurozone, the party members and officers – who were dominated by the aforementioned – did not take the necessary precautions and almost prepared the resulting catastrophe.
From 2004 onwards it surrendered to the peculiar populism of the heir, Giorgos Papandreou, who condemned it to absolute decay. In 2009 he missed a great opportunity and instead of a rebirth, he was condemned to hard labor. Since 2012 and amidst a broad circle of offenders he has been struggling in adverse conditions to save himself.
Truth be told, PASOK as we know it has ended. It cannot be saved by heirs, fresh-faced little leaders or party members who think that they are leading the reform, but in reality are living in a fantasy land.
The sensible who still remain have one shot and one shot alone: to recognize their mistakes and form a new democratic faction which will refer to the bourgeois inheritance of Eleftherios Venizelos.
Otherwise the party will disappear, lost in ridicule and its space will be looted by those representing the peculiar fascism of the faltering middle class.
Antonis Karakousis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition
