The efforts for the development of a centrist alliance between the Democratic Alliance’s PASOK and the River appear to be at risk, after the two parties begun a war of words.
At present there appear to be differences in three areas preventing the two parties from carrying on with their plans. The first revolves around the eligibility and voting procedures to be followed at an upcoming conference.
The other two main differences have greater significance, as the River’s Stavros Theodorakis wants both parties to dissolve after a leader has been elected to helm the new political alliance. PASOK President Fofi Gennimata on the other hand wants this to occur after the new alliance has completed its conference and based on the decisions made by the new party’s bodies.
The final difference relates to post-election alliances, affecting the overall strategy of the new leader to emerge from the new political party. The River is opposed to any cooperation with SYRIZA and the Independent Greeks, while PASOK would not rule out an alliance with SYRIZA, if it comes second in the next general elections.
The Former Prime Minister and President of the Movement of Democrats Socialists Giorgos Papandreou recently expressed his reservations over broader coalitions. Mr. Papandreou also commented that greater efforts, boldness and determination are necessary in order to overcome everything that resulted in the crisis.
With both sides raising the tension, it appears that distance between the two prospective allies is growing.
