George Petalotis

A spokesman for ex-Prime Minister George Papandreou?s party, the Movement of Democratic Socialists, implied on Friday that the former premier had proposed to PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos (photo), among other people, that he take over as prime minister in November 2011.

Greek election favorites SYRIZA on Tuesday ruled out cooperation with George Papandreou?s newly launched Movement of Democratic Socialists after the January 25 ballot, as the Communist Party (KKE) went on to snub Alexis Tsipras?s own political overture.

Former Prime Minister George Papandreou launched his new party on Saturday, as current Deputy Prime Minister and PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos insisted that his party would play a pivotal role in political developments after the January 25 elections.

Former Prime Minister George Papandreou is due to announce Saturday afternoon the creation of a new party, which he will lead and which will take part in the January 25 elections, much to the annoyance of PASOK leader and Deputy Premier Evangelos Venizelos.

Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos sparked further doubt Friday about George Papandreou’s future in PASOK by suggesting that he no longer considers the former prime minister part of the party.