Former Socialist prime minister, George Papandreou, announced his candidacy for the leadership of center-left Movement for Change (KINAL), in a televised address on Wednesday evening.
“We need a new change. For the citizens and the country. That is why the democratic progressive party needs to grow again. To join the other progressive forces in Europe and the world, which are staging a dynamic comeback,” he said in his address.
“I decided to run for the leadership of the Movement. I will contribute with all my strength to make our party big and strong again.”
Papandreou ruled Greece from October 2009 until November 2011 when he stepped down and supported the coalition government of Lucas Papademos. Until 2012, he remained president of the socialist Pasok party, which was founded by his father and former prime minister, Andreas Papandreou.
In 2017, Pasok joined the center-left alliance Movement of Change. Today, Papandreou is a lawmaker for the party and is also president of Socialist International.
READ MORE: On This Day in 1974: PASOK was established.
With the entry of Papandreou in the race, the number of candidates has now risen to seven: Pavlos Geroulanos, Pavlos Christides, Haris Kastanidis, Vassilis Kegeroglou, Andreas Loverdos and Nikos Androulakis.
Papandreou said he had informed the incumbent, Fofi Gennimata, of his decision on Wednesday. Gennimata pulled out of the leadership race last week, after she was hospitalised for health reasons.
The first round of elections is scheduled to take place on December 5 and if no one secures a majority of votes, a second ballot will be held a week later.
READ MORE: Greek politicians react to Fofi Gennimata’s withdrawal from leadership race.
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