By Antonis Anzoletou

The whistle for the start of the “race” for the difficult project of the united center-left cannot be heard before October 13, when, unexpectedly, in the second round of the PASOK elections, the new leader of Harilaou Trikoupi will emerge.

A new Center Union, or ELIA, or Change Movement or a Greek EPINE of the progressive faction cannot be formed without the cooperation of SYRIZA and PASOK.

On the one hand o Stefanos Kasselakis it should bend any resistances it has.

In the ranks of Koumoundourou’s internal party opposition, there are not a few who argue that the president of the party will be under a lot of pressure, when he realizes that the percentages of SYRIZA remain at the levels of the European elections, perhaps even lower.

The pressure will be similar on the new leader who will highlight the green camp. In any case, the person who will take over the reins of PASOK will play an important role.

“Who will get the ‘smear’ of the renewal of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ term?” This will be the argument of the supporters of the union of the two areas against the two leaders.

No one expects it to be an easy conversation.

Several executives, as well as MPs, argue that the SYRIZA and PASOK leaderships will not even allow such a conversation to begin. At least not before they test if they can “hit” the government on their own. And it is clear that in the case of departures from the two parties, in the name of the united center-left, nothing “big” can be built that could stand up to the current majority.

Addressing smaller parties is also considered necessary. Will SYRIZA be able to coexist with the New Left?

Extremely difficult in today’s circumstances, as the words that have been heard between the former comrades are heavy and the departure of the 11 MPs and the rest of the executives from Koumoundourou is still fresh.

At the same time, there are not a few people in SYRIZA who do not wish to cooperate with it Zoe Konstantopoulou recalling what he has said about him Alexis Tsipras and overall for his government.

An important role will also be played by unity in the official opposition party, with the “87” leaving all possibilities open in the online meetings they hold. A barometer for the developments will be the replacement of Othon Iliopoulos’ seat next Wednesday.

There are also questions about PASOK, mainly about whether the six “suitors” for the presidency will be on the same side the next day of the ballot.

SYRIZA’s 14.92% and PASOK’s 12.79% in the European elections make a sum of 27.7%, which is even slightly less than New Democracy’s 28.31%.

If the goal of the new body under the banner of social democracy is power – beyond any losses recorded after a possible agreement – there remains a large gap of about 10% to be able to “hit” self-reliance.

What does this mean?

Broader partnerships combined with reducing abstinence and attracting citizens from the progressive space is the big and difficult bet that must be won.