# PASOK parliamentary expansion and strategic policy disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pasok-parliamentary-expansion > Updated: 2026-08-24T10:45:24.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 4. In late July 2026, the centre-left Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) announced plans to bring independent MP Michail Hourdaki into its ranks, aiming to broaden its parliamentary group ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair and upcoming elections. Party leader Nikos Androulakis highlighted the move as part of a strategy to improve poll standings against New Democracy. By early August, PASOK had escalated this effort into a coordinated “bilateral expansion” campaign, formally welcoming Hourdakis and adding a wave of roughly 120 supporters from across the centre-right and former SYRIZA, Potami, DIMAR, and Renewing Left circles. As the party prepares for its pre-election campaign launch, it is organizing a major mobilization in Crete, including a large-scale event on September 3. Simultaneously, PASOK continues its recruitment efforts, maintaining contact with independent MPs Nina Kasimati and Alexandros Avlonitis, with potential announcements expected soon. Discussions are also reportedly ongoing with Evangelos Apostolakis. By late August, internal tensions emerged following comments by Athens Mayor Charis Doukas, who urged the party to move beyond a “social democracy of assimilation” in favor of “democratic radical realism.” This sparked debate, with Panagiotis Loukos stating that “congressional decisions are not sacred scriptures.” Political disputes have also escalated regarding the management of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the ‘Greece 2.0’ program. PASOK spokesperson Pavlos Geroulanos criticized the government, alleging that over 100 projects have been de-prioritized, specifically citing health projects and reduced energy storage targets. Minister of State Akis Skertsos responded that de-prioritization does not mean cancellation, noting that projects like the Northern Motorway of Crete have been moved to alternative funding sources. Amidst these disputes, PASOK continues to focus on private debt and taxation ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Greece political dispute over Recovery and Resilience Facility projects Greek opposition PASOK criticizes the government for de-funding numerous projects from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, while the Minister of State argues these projects will continue via other funding. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pasok-intensifies-political-strategy-ahead-of-thessaloniki-fair ### 2026-08-21: PASOK launches pre-election campaign and expansion strategy PASOK is initiating its pre-election campaign, led by Nikos Androulakis, with major events in Crete and Thessaloniki, policy presentations on private debt, and efforts to recruit independent MPs. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pasok-expands-membership-and-refines-political-strategy-in-greece ### 2026-08-02: PASOK expands with new parliamentary recruits in two‑sided strategy PASOK pushes a two‑sided expansion, recruiting around 120 new members—including independent MP Michalis Hourdakis and former SYRIZA figures—under Kostas Skandalidis’s committee to boost its parliamentary clout. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pasok-expands-with-new-parliamentary-recruits-in-twosided-strategy ### 2026-07-27: PASOK to announce independent MP Michail Hourdaki's entry PASOK will announce on Tuesday that independent MP Michail Hourdaki is joining the party, aiming to strengthen its parliamentary group amid tight polls with New Democracy. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pasok-to-announce-independent-mp-michail-hourdakis-entry --- Cite as: PASOK parliamentary expansion and strategic policy disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pasok-parliamentary-expansion