Haris Kastanidis explained the reasons behind his resignation from PASOK in an interview with ERT News, making pointed remarks about the stance of Nikos Androulakis, internal party procedures, and the choices made by the leadership of the official opposition party.
Speaking on the program “Off The Record,” Mr. Kastanidis argued that the PASOK president’s stance toward him had consistently been negative, stating: “He has clearly shown in every way that he does not want me in PASOK.” At the same time, he spoke of “unilateral actions over the years” that created a hostile atmosphere against him.
“There are close associates of his who target organizations that dared to invite me as a speaker and threaten them. They even went so far as to contact the mayor and ask him not to make the hall available,” Mr. Kastanidis told ERT News. At the same time, he attributed the leadership’s decisions to an attempt to control the party:“My presence weighed on them; it was a burden, perhaps in terms of controlling decisions and, above all, post-election political choices.”
The former PASOK executive also made a specific reference to the amendment of the party’s bylaws regarding term limits, making clear insinuations about a targeted regulation: “If the decision on the term limit concerns anyone other than me, let them tell us. There is no one else.”
At the same time, he challenged the argument for party renewal, saying:“Renewal is not a matter of age, but of ideas and policies that can contribute.” He also explained his absence from the Congress, noting that it was preceded by efforts to exclude him.
The former PASOK official, who submitted his resignation while taking jabs at Mr. Androulakis, attempted to separate his departure from personal conflicts, noting: “I have nothing personal against anyone.” However, he accused the leadership of hypocrisy regarding the true motives behind their decisions, while emphasizing that his own stance is dictated by principles: “When indecency is repeated, dignity must respond.”