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Greece: Former PM Papandreou to form new party, breaking away from party founded by his father

Associated Press
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FILE In this Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, file photo Greece's Prime Minister George Papandreou awaits the Emir of Qatar, , for a meeting at the Prime Minister's official residence in Athens. Former Greek prime minister George Papandreou has revealed plans to create a new political party — a development that will see him break away from the once powerful PanHellenic Socialist Movement founded by his father. Papandreou, 62, announced the plan on his website Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, ahead of a snap general election on Jan. 25.(AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis, File) (The Associated Press)

In this Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and the Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou, right, shake hands after a statement prior to a dinner at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Former Greek prime minister George Papandreou has revealed plans to create a new political party — a development that will see him break away from the once powerful PanHellenic Socialist Movement founded by his father. Papandreou, 62, announced the plan on his website Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, ahead of a snap general election on Jan. 25. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 file photo Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou addresses Socialist lawmaker members of parliament in Athens, in Athens, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. Former Greek prime minister George Papandreou has revealed plans to create a new political party — a development that will see him break away from the once powerful PanHellenic Socialist Movement founded by his father. Papandreou, 62, announced the plan on his website Friday, Jan . 2 , 2015, ahead of a snap general election on Jan. 25. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File) (The Associated Press)

Former Greek prime minister George Papandreou has revealed plans to create a new political party — a development that will see him break away from the once powerful PanHellenic Socialist Movement founded by his father.

Papandreou, 62, announced the plan on his website Friday, ahead of a snap general election on Jan. 25.

Papandreou served as prime minister between 2009 and 2011. He was at the helm at the height of Greece's financial crisis which triggered a collapse of support for Pasok.

The statement said further details would emerge Saturday after documents have been filed to a high court.

Papandreou's father, Andreas, founded Pasok in 1974 and served three terms as prime minister. He was a dominant figure in Greek politics following the 1967-74 dictatorship.

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Online:

Papandreou statement: http://papandreou.gr/3rd_jan_pame/