The first open event of the latest center-left faction to emerge was a resounding success as about 2,000 people attended the “initiative of 58” event at the “Acropol Theater” in down town Athens. Amongst those who attended were Evangelos Venizelos, Kostas Simitis and Giorgos Kaminis, as well as a host of PASOK and DIMAR MPs and members.

The event began with videotaped messaged from Martin Schulz and Hannes Swoboda, followed by a speech from Paraskevas Avgerinos, who explained that the unification of the democratic faction is inevitable. This was also echoed by Yannis Tountas, who represented a number of center left movements and argued that expanded frame of cooperation is paramount.

The main speaker of the event, Yannis Voulgaris, claimed that the initiative “must dare to separate itself from the old political system” and argued that it was not his intention to create a new party to replace the older ones, but rather hopes to encourage a wider cooperation of the various center left parties.

Mr. Voulgaris criticized the “mini bipartisanship” between New Democracy and SYRIZA which “is supported by foreign interests” and maintains tension and misery. He also argued that the European perspective is paramount in the recovery efforts, although he stressed that the euro would collapse if it is treated as a necessary evil.

The leader of PASOK Evangelos Venizelos noted that his party supports the initiative and argued that it was a great opportunity to bring together all the parties, movements and divs who find shelter under the banner of the European Socialist Party. The upcoming municipal and European elections are an opportunity to support creative and progressive politics.

Recent polls by Kappa Research and GPO indicate that a significant section of the electorate body (46.6% and 68.2% respectively) are in favor of a coalition of PASOK, DIMAR and other center left movements in the upcoming elections of European Parliament. According to GPO, 40% would vote for such a coalition in national elections.

Some have argued that the initiative should develop into a political party, such as Anna Diamantopoulou, while Giorgos Floridis believes that PASOK and DIMAR must disband, although such a possibility will more than likely meet resistance amongst senior PASOK MPs.