ΑΤΗΕΝS — George Papandreou announced his candidacy for the leadership of Movement for Change (KINAL) with a brief statement on Wednesday evening.

The former prime minister had announced his intention while on a phone call to current leader Fofi Gennimata, who pulled out of the election scheduled in December for health reasons. Gennimata has wished the former minister best of luck.

Announcing his candidacy formally, Papandreou issued a brief statement in which he said the country needs a new change and the democratic, progressive party. “I will contribute with all my power to return our party to greatness and strength, at the forefront of developments again,” he said, calling on all democratic and progressive citizens to participate and celebrate democracy.