# PASOK marks 45th anniversary of 1981 election victory

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pasok-45th-anniversary-of-1981-election-victory
> Updated: 2026-10-19T09:45:57.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 4.

The Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) is commemorating the 45th anniversary of its historic 1981 electoral victory. Led by Andreas Papandreou, the original victory saw the party secure 48.06% of the vote, marking the first time the left held government power in Greece and initiating significant shifts in the country’s political trajectory. Party leaders, including Deputy Speaker Parios Koukoulopoulos and Secretary Panagiotis Boulieris, have highlighted the institutional reforms stemming from that era, such as the establishment of the National Health System and the strengthening of workers' rights.

During recent commemorations in Aegaleo, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis connected the legacy of the ‘Change’ era to the modern political landscape, positioning the party as a primary alternative to the ruling New Democracy and SYRIZA. He criticized the current government led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the opposition led by Alexis Tsipras, advocating for policy priorities such as rent caps and the restoration of the 13th month salary for public sector workers.

Expanding on these themes, Evangelia Liakouli, MP and spokesperson for Justice, Institutions and Transparency, also addressed the anniversary, framing the current political climate as a crossroads where the status quo is undermining institutions and increasing inequality. Liakouli further linked the party’s historical commitment to social welfare to contemporary struggles, specifically addressing a rally of pensioners in Larissa. She criticized policies diminishing the quality of life for retirees and called for the gradual restoration of the 13th pension and EKAS, alongside reforms to the solidarity contribution and debt regulations for insurance funds.

## Claims

- PASOK achieved a major electoral victory on October 18, 1981. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The 1981 victory led to the creation of the National Health System. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The era following the 1981 victory saw the recognition of the National Resistance. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- PASOK's political agenda includes issues such as housing, cost of living, and debt management. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Evangelia Liakouli addresses PASOK anniversary and pensioner protests

PASOK MP Evangelia Liakouli addressed the 45th anniversary of the party's 1981 victory and criticized government policies regarding pensioners' income and social inequality in Greece.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/evangelia-liakouli-addresses-pasok-anniversary-and-pensioner-protests

### 2026-10-17: PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis marks 45 years since 1981 electoral victory

PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis marked the 45th anniversary of the party's 1981 victory with a major rally in Aigaleo, calling for political change and criticizing both New Democracy and SYRIZ.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pasok-leaders-commemorate-1981-electoral-victory

### 2026-10-17: Greece: 45th anniversary of PASOK's historic 1981 election victory

A commentary marks the 45th anniversary of the 1981 Greek elections, where Andreas Papandreou and PASOK secured a historic victory, bringing the left to power for the first time.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-45th-anniversary-of-pasoks-historic-1981-election-victory

### 2026-10-15: PASOK marks 45 years since historic 1981 electoral victory

PASOK commemorates 45 years since its landmark 1981 electoral victory as it continues its struggle for center-left leadership against SYRIZA in Greece.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pasok-marks-45-years-since-historic-1981-electoral-victory

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Cite as: PASOK marks 45th anniversary of 1981 election victory. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pasok-45th-anniversary-of-1981-election-victory