To the rhythms of hard rock Mitsotakis-Androulakis “danced” yesterday in Parliament, with information indicating that such clashes between them will become increasingly frequent in the coming period for one additional reason: the absence of Alexis Tsipras and ELAS from Parliament.That is, the long road to the ballot boxes will be used to the fullest - at least through PASOK initiatives - so that the big battles are fought on the field where, objectively, the great opponent of Char. Trikoupi will not be able to be present.
The polls released yesterday brought back some smiles to the “green” cadres, since their party shows the biggest rise compared with the July measurements. “When ELAS ‘gains’ half a point and we gain one and a half, it means that little by little our gap is beginning to be covered,” they say.
For this reason, they are not discouraged by remaining in third place (i.e. first is ND and second is ELAS), as they estimate that by the end of the year they can catch up with and surpass Mr. Tsipras’s party “if there are no mishaps or mistakes on our side.”
Their optimism stems from the better qualitative indicators recorded for the presence of Nikos Androulakis and PASOK’s program, which, by common admission, was the most “generous” for all population groups.
From their internal assessments it emerges that PASOK’s appeal was strengthened among pensioners and public employees, due to the well-known position on restoring the 13th pension-EKAS and the 13th salary, respectively.
As they also add, this comparison is made to ELAS’s detriment, because “Mr. Tsipras appeared extremely sparing toward these groups, in his effort to improve his relationship with the self-employed.”
In this context, Char. Trikoupi appears determined not to allow a new cycle of ‘coalition talk and therefore introversion’, limiting the discussion to PASOK’s official electoral goal: political autonomy and first place in the elections.
For this reason, the day before yesterday it publicly distanced itself from the party’s MP Apostolos Panas, who stated that ELAS is moving on the axis of social democracy and that neighboring forces should have communication with each other, even posing the question: “what is wrong with that?”
Mr. Androulakis in fact asked yesterday from the members of PASOK’s parliamentary group, in an informal meeting, to be more careful in their public statements. He did not push things too far with Mr. Panas, even though the latter himself was not present at this meeting.
ELAS: Satisfaction, yes, but…
From ELAS’s side, satisfaction is indeed expressed over maintaining second place in the polls and the slight rise, however the concern about the next steps has been noticed.
The absence from Parliament is described as a “necessary evil” that will be addressed by strengthening the party’s presence “in society” as a counterweight.
According to a party official, the organized, continuous outings/visits/tours “in every city and village” will move to the forefront, after the completion of the first organizational goal as well, with the appointment of persons in charge in every region of the country.
In addition, there will be better preparation of the sector heads and communication staff, so that missteps such as the one about taxing …safe-deposit boxes and speedboats as an example for the 1% of great wealth are not repeated.
The great asset, of course, remains Alexis Tsipras’s direct communication with citizens. Characteristic is his choice to go to DYPA’s facilities and speak with the employees instead of calling their representatives to his office.
In the next period, the relationship with SYRIZA’s former MPs who became independent in Parliament but have not resigned from their parliamentary office is expected to be clarified. Initially, a signal will be sent to those who are… welcome in ELAS so that they can weigh their further stance. And this because, according to Amalias officials, the condition set by Mr. Tsipras (surrender of the seat - registration in the new party) “will be observed in full.”
Olga Gerovasili, however, who at this stage preferred independence, stated openly yesterday that she supports the ELAS venture, with the addition: “we will see the rest below.”