By Stavros Lygeros

He had to do something. Especially since PASOK’s less-than-satisfactory performance in recent local authority elections, the political climate had been weighing heavily on George Papandreou. And not only the party mechanism but also its grass roots were affected.

Papandreou has not vindicated the great ambitions born when he became party leader in 2004. Even those who celebrated his victory are now disappointed.

Two-and-a-half years after falling from power, PASOK has still failed to regroup. Most significant is the opposition party’s failure to capitalize on public disaffection with government policy. This weakness allows Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to maintain his hegemony and limits PASOK’s hopes of returning to power; it also fuels existing doubts about Papandreou’s ability as a leader.

Even though Papandreou has not faced any real internal opposition, he has still been up against the wall recently. In view of this, the radical restructuring at the top levels of PASOK was hardly any surprise. Despite that, it was effective; it created the sense of a stern leader as it rekindled hopes for a dynamic new beginning.

But these are first impressions. Asking for the resignation of his party secretary and a few members of his political council was the easy part for Papandreou. The hard bit will be ensuring that this move produces creative politics. If it is not part of some broader plan, this move will be another empty gesture.

Papandreou’s aim is to dispel doubts about his leadership abilities. He also aims to bring top-ranking cadres into the game, not just to rally party forces but to create the right conditions for joint responsibility. But this does not mean he is ready to share his leadership. On the contrary, he is trying to galvanize his position. And so he is sure to put his foot down with cadres who doubt him.