PASOK: The privileges now that it has become the official opposition – Changes in offices, an increase in political appointees

The new split in the SYRIZA parliamentary group has led to the loss of the official opposition title without the need for an election for the first time in post-junta history.

PASOK now emerges as the second-largest parliamentary force with 31 MPs, compared to SYRIZA’s 29, and the title of “Leader of the Official Opposition,” along with its political and operational privileges, will now be awarded to Mr. Nikos Androulakis.

According to the Parliament’s rules, the term “Leader of the Official Opposition” is used for the “leader of the largest parliamentary group not involved in the government.” The title carries strong political symbolism, which mainly stems from electoral percentages. Until now, the official opposition has been the party that came second in national elections, represented the strongest opposition to the government, and generally had higher chances of governing.

Papadimitriou exits office 69, Androulakis moves in
In addition to these, the party of the official opposition enjoys operational privileges that facilitate its parliamentary work and opposition strategy. These privileges are now transferred from SYRIZA to PASOK.

Specifically, the leader of the major opposition sets up their political headquarters in the luxurious “office 69,” located on the ground floor of the Parliament building, directly across from the Prime Minister’s wing.

This office has been the operational base for previous opposition leaders such as George Papandreou, Antonis Samaras, Alexis Tsipras, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who organized their parliamentary attacks from here.

Given these circumstances, in the coming days, the expected departure of Mr. Nikos Papadimitriou and his team will see the office handed over to Mr. Androulakis.

The political appointees
Additionally, the leader of the official opposition is entitled to appoint a total of 10 trusted political appointees, at least one more than the leaders of smaller parliamentary parties, along with 3 parliamentary representatives, compared to 2 for the others.

Politically, Mr. Androulakis, as head of the opposition, will speak immediately after the Prime Minister’s speech and will be entitled to more speaking time than the leaders of smaller parties.

Strengthened presence in parliamentary committees
Furthermore, PASOK will have a stronger presence in critical parliamentary committees.

Specifically, it will acquire the vice-presidency of the Institutions and Transparency Committee, which traditionally serves as a closely scrutinized platform for the government’s actions.

Additionally, PASOK is expected to gain one extra seat, increasing its positions to 3, on the top parliamentary body, the Conference of Presidents.

Now, both New Democracy (ND) and PASOK will have the opportunity to complete the enhanced majority of 3/5 needed for the appointment of heads of independent authorities. Finally, a PASOK MP will replace a SYRIZA colleague who had been a member of the “Asset Declaration” Committee. In this specific committee, the opposition is represented only by the official opposition.

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