The decision of former Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou to appear with DIMAR leader Fotis Kouvelis at the presentation of DIMAR’s MEP candidate (and former PASOK member) Marilena Koppa’s book presentation has caused turmoil within PASOK.
According to reports by Mega Channel, Mr. Papandreou’s party is furious as the former PM’s appearance essentially offers indirect support to Mr. Kouvelis’ European bid, rather than the “Olive Tree” effort. Additionally, Mr. Papandreou is rarely seen in public, which PASOK members commented was unacceptable.
Although Mr. Papandreou has publicly clarified that he does not agree with or support the Olive Tree effort, as have a number of other PASOK MPs, his appearance at Mrs. Koppa’s book presentation is an indirect support towards DIMAR. As recent polls show that Mr. Kouvelis’ party is struggling to elect an MEP, this surprising turn of events may help the center-left party.
It should be noted that various ministers from Mr. Papandreou’s administration have appeared and spoken at DIMAR events, including PASOK members close to the former PM, such as Harry Kastanidis and Panos Beglitis. With the critical local government and European elections coming up though, PASOK is unlikely to focus on the matter in public, in order to avoid creating any new divisions within its ranks.
