Viewing cable 07ATHENS512, OPPOSITION PASOK'S NEW PLATFORM -- READY FORIf you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07ATHENS512 | 2007-03-09 15:04 | 2011-08-30 01:44 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Athens |
VZCZCXRO1228
RR RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHTH #0512 0681504
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 091504Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8400
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 000512
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/08/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV GR
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION PASOK'S NEW PLATFORM -- READY FOR
ELECTIONS?
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR ROBIN QUINVILLE. REASON: 1.4 (B) A
ND (D).
¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Opposition PASOK leader George
Papandreou's new electoral party platform, introduced March
3-4 at a stadium-sized rally, contains a mix of ambitious
proposals ranging from smaller government to 24/7 universal
health care. Some press critics have dubbed it the "Sego
platform," claiming that it is too expensive and unrealistic.
With most voters focusing on pocketbook issues, Papandreou
will need to convince wary voters that he can fund the
changes he's proposing -- without adding to their economic
burden. END SUMMARY.
¶2. (SBU) At a March 3-4 meeting of some 15,000 PASOK party
members, opposition leader George Papandreou announced his
new electoral party platform. Developed over the past
several months by trusted Papandreou advisor Anna
Diamandopoulou (formerly a Greek EU Commissioner), the
sweeping program contains ambitious proposals designed to
appeal beyond PASOK's traditional base. Key points include:
-- Smaller government with fewer ministries and reform of
local goverment through administrative re-districting;
-- New laws on transparency and public spending;
-- Educational reform and increased spending on schools;
-- free internet access for all citizens;
-- tax reform, including increased taxation of the wealthy;
-- a minimal pension for all Greeks over age 65 who meet a
set income threshold (as well as minimum pension for all
farmers);
-- universal government-run medical care "24/7, 365;"
-- establishment of a Ministry for the Environment and new
measures for environmental protection.
¶3. (SBU) Papandreou accused the Karamanlis government of
nurturing special interests, lying to the Greek people and
endangering the future of the country. He also -- indirectly
-- castigated the media for portraying PASOK as "uneducated,
unprepared and unable."
¶4. (U) The press, in turn, has begun calling the proposals
the "Sego platform." Echoing critics of French socialist
presidential candidate Segolene Royal's platform, they argue
that PASOK's platform is both too expensive and unrealistic.
As one veteran radio comentator put it: "This must be a
platform for another country we do not know, one with plenty
of cash to spare."
¶5. (C) COMMENT: Papandreou's platform is meant to
demonstrate his ability to unify factions and lead the party
firmly in a new, "modern" direction. While it was originally
scheduled for unveiling at the end of January, Papandreou
held off, conducting broad internal consultations on the
final product. While it may now have backing from (most) of
PASOK's fractious party leadership, it's an open question
whether it will draw voters from beyond the party's
traditional base. With pocketbook issues a key theme for
the elections, Papandreou will need to demonstrate to cynical
Greek voters that PASOK can implement some of its more
far-reaching proposals without added cost to the average
household.
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