PASOK Ousts SYRIZA to Secure Second Place as Extremist Parties Gain Ground

In the latest developments in Greek politics, the socialist PASOK party has overtaken SYRIZA to claim second place, while the ruling New Democracy (ND) continues to maintain its lead. This shift occurs amidst significant internal strife within SYRIZA, as revealed by a public opinion poll conducted by MRB for Open TV.

The survey indicates ND securing 21.6% of the vote, a decrease from 26.5% in May. PASOK follows with 10.5%, slightly down from 11.5% prior to the EU Parliament elections in May. Meanwhile, SYRIZA has plummeted to 8.5% from its former 13.1%, barely keeping ahead of the far-right nationalist Greek Solution, which remains steady at 8%.

Far-right parties Voice of Reason and Niki have seen gains, rising to 3.4% and 3.2% from their May figures of 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively. Additionally, the populist Course for Freedom has surged to 5.3% from 2.8%.

As PASOK prepares for its leadership election, incumbent Nikos Androulakis and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas are engaged in a close contest, garnering 25.5% and 21.9% support across the voter base.