PASOK welcomes independent MP Michalis Chourdakis, eyes further centre-left transfers

The transfer

Michalis Chourdakis, an independent MP for Thessaloniki A, joined PASOK's parliamentary group on Tuesday, July 28, after a meeting with party leader Nikos Androulakis. Chourdakis was originally elected in 2023 with Plefsi Eleftherias and later moved to Stefanos Kasselakis's Democrats party before becoming independent. Androulakis welcomed him, stating they were joining forces for political change against what he called the corruption, lack of meritocracy, and lost opportunities of the New Democracy government.

“I welcome to PASOK the independent MP and professor of medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Michalis Chourdakis. I am very pleased because we are joining forces for the political change the country needs, against the corruption, the lack of meritocracy and the lost opportunities of the New Democracy government.”

The addition brings PASOK's parliamentary group to 33 MPs.

Chourdakis's role

Androulakis said Chourdakis has shown particular interest in demographic issues and will help refine the party's programmatic agenda on what he called a top national priority. He noted that PASOK had presented its demographic programme on September 3 last year and expressed hope that Chourdakis would enrich it with new proposals ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair.

“Michalis has shown particular interest in demographic issues, and for this reason he will help us make our programmatic discourse and our plan even better on this top issue for our country.”

Chourdakis, a professor of hygiene and medical dietetics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with postgraduate studies in public health, said he hoped to contribute his political and academic experience to PASOK's already comprehensive programme.

“It is clear that the country needs a serious, credible and progressive alternative governance. I hope that with whatever political and academic experience I have, I can contribute to PASOK's forces and to the already comprehensive programme that exists here.”

Internal PASOK reactions

Within PASOK's parliamentary group, two schools of thought have emerged. One aligns with Androulakis's view that absorbing MPs from other parties strengthens the party. The other, more sceptical camp worries that heterogeneous forces not wanted by Alexis Tsipras are joining PASOK without necessarily offering much. Despite the internal debate, Androulakis is expected to continue broadening the party with MPs and cadres from other formations.

Future transfers

Several other names are reportedly on PASOK's radar. Nina Kasimati and Evangelos Apostolakis are expected to be placed on PASOK ballots in Piraeus B and Piraeus A respectively. Former SYRIZA deputy minister Olympia Teliigioridou and former SYRIZA MP Lefteris Avramakis are the next figures likely to be announced. Among MPs who left Kasselakis's Democrats, Theodora Tzakri, Alexandros Avlonitis, Giota Poulou, and Myrto Korovesi are being considered. For Tzakri, a recent photo with former prime minister George Papandreou at the presidency has fuelled speculation, though obstacles remain. No contacts have yet been made with Korovesi.

Political message

Androulakis views these transfers as a signal that PASOK remains the core for centre-left processes and personnel, reinforcing its image as an attractive option in the broader progressive space. The moves come as parties prepare for national elections, with Androulakis stressing the need for comprehensive programmes across all sectors. The party's expansion strategy aims to boost its standing in urban centres, particularly in Thessaloniki and the wider Attica basin.