For symbolic reasons, former Independent Socialist Member of Parliament Kostis Efstathiou attended the EDEK Constitutional Convention, following the reversal of his expulsion from the party, as he stated from the studio of the Alpha Kalimera show.
“I didn’t return,” Mr. Efstathiou stated, noting that he had been expelled by Mr. Sizopoulos and his group, and arguing that they are now claiming the procedures currently underway are undemocratic.
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“Mainly for symbolic reasons, to send a message of unity. Because the constitutional amendments that were made—and there aren’t that many—aren’t the heart of the matter.”
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He also refers to the statement by the 11, noting that they are members of the political bureau that emerged from those “undemocratic procedures” carried out by Sizopoulos and his associates over the years, “to which, of course, many of us had reacted—some remained silent, some protested, and some were expelled.”
When asked what lies ahead for EDEK, he notes that it is December 10 and the elections, but the priority is for the party to unite.
“What EDEK needs—because it faces a bigger problem than Synagermos, since it’s also out of Parliament— It is also outside the political mainstream. It is below the threshold—generally and politically, but also mathematically. What EDEK wants is to make a comeback, to re-enter the fold of society. We were on the outside. We were on the outside because we were preoccupied with our internal affairs; we thought people cared about EDEK’s issues, when in fact no one outside the hard core cares. What we need is to reconnect with society. And how do you reconnect with society? By changing your image and your political discourse.”
“Enough is enough; people are fed up with us—that’s why they punished us in the first place,” says Mr. Efstathiou, attempting to put an end to the feud.
“People need to start reacting. I’m not talking about Synagermos or EDEK. They need to react to what’s wrong. Enough with this tolerance. Tolerance, yes. Forgiveness, no.”
When asked about the role EDEK will play in the upcoming elections, he explains what is at stake for the party, since it is currently on the sidelines and, after the internal party elections, the spotlight will fade from it.
“This is the major issue we must address. We are where we are—on the margins of society. We are where we are because, you know, EDEK’s biggest problem will begin after the convention. When the spotlight shifts away from it, it will fade into the background. People’s attention will turn to the presidential election.”
Responding to a question about whether EDEK is 100% satisfied with its alliance with Nikos Christodoulides, he states that he will express his personal opinion, as he was expelled for disagreeing with the choice of Nicos Christodoulides.
“The man used to say openly and frankly that I support Nicos Anastasiades, Nicos Anastasiades’s policies—I’m a Synagermikos. All of this he continues to say. For many of us, EDEK backed him, hiding behind the large percentage he represented, in anticipation of the presidential elections. We disagreed. So it’s not a matter of whether EDEK is happy or not. That would have been the result. You went after him, latched on, hoping to grab a piece of power through an appointment. As happened. But that’s not politics. Politics is about proposing and shaping developments.”
When asked if any of the Alarm Party’s candidates would prompt him to consider supporting them, Mr. Efstathiou replied that the individual doesn’t matter.
“It’s not so much about the person. Let’s say there’s a very likable political candidate. And I find both of them likable—both Giorgos Pamporidis and Averof are friends of mine. But what do they stand for? There are some things I just can’t listen to. Or, for example, hearing now that the issue at hand is the rotating presidency. Since I disagree with the rotating presidency because I consider it undemocratic and destructive. What’s needed is for them to clarify their platforms. I don’t want details. I want a framework.”
“If it were just about appearances or rhetoric and so on, it would be very easy for anyone to vote for just anyone,” he adds.
When asked if he’ll run for office, he says he’ll decide with his friends.
“I’m not drawn to the idea. I’ll decide with my friends. The last thing EDEK needs right now is to get caught up in the pre-election and election process again.”
