Odysseas Konstantopoulos: Tsipras is a serious player, he found space and entered

Odysseas Konstantopoulos, a former PASOK lawmaker, described Alexis Tsipras as a "serious player" on the political scene, noting that he "found space and entered" the public sphere. Speaking on SKAI, just months after his expulsion by Nikos Androulakis and the relinquishing of his parliamentary seat, Konstantopoulos refrained from commenting on his former party, choosing to maintain distance.

Regarding his own path, he mentioned that he does not miss the daily engagement with politics, although he left open the possibility of a return. "A difficult period, I don't miss the daily confrontation. I don't miss it today, I don't know about tomorrow," he stated, describing a transitional phase after 17 years of political presence.

He also stressed that the decision to give up his seat was not easy, as he had maintained a strong electoral base in Arcadia for years. "When I made the decision to give up the seat, it wasn't easy. After 17 years, I hadn't lost once in Arcadia, even when PASOK was at 4%," he recalled.

Responding to a question about his poll numbers and whether his stance was vindicated, he noted: "I think I treated the issue of the whole process with absolute respect towards my party and the institutions. I believe parties are institutions that we must respect; I handed over my seat, I said what I had to say. Whether I was right, daily life will judge."

Konstantopoulos also addressed the reactions he received after his departure, saying, "What I experienced from ordinary people after all this process, I had never experienced before." He added that in a time of anger and difficulties, "the way of discussion must be elevated because parties will need to find ways of approach at some point."

Commenting on the new political landscape and emerging parties, the former Deputy Speaker of Parliament stated: "I won't say anything about Ms. Karystianou. I have stated my opinion." Specifically referring to Alexis Tsipras, he remarked that "he found free space and entered this process. He is a serious player, that is not disputed. A player who will evolve. That's how it happens in politics."

Asked if PASOK missed the opportunity to lead the center-left space, he replied: "These things have happened. Everyone understands that immediately after the elections, or even before, approaches will be needed. Life brings things in such a way that if you don't prepare, you will wake up one morning and do them." He added, "What the parties (of the opposition) must say is that we have our proposals but we can approach common positions," emphasizing the need for consensus in the broader progressive space.