SYRIZA: November Conference and December Presidential Elections Amid Internal Divide

The Central Committee of SYRIZA, meeting today, was divided but ultimately reached a compromise. While Polakis and Kasselakis supporters called for immediate elections, the “87” faction pushed for a December timeline.

During the session, top SYRIZA officials presented two differing proposals. Pavlos Polakis, a declared candidate for party leadership, and Theodora Tzakri from the Kasselakis faction suggested a continuous congress on October 13 without electing new delegates and proposed holding leadership elections on November 3.

In contrast, the “100” faction recommended holding a pre-congress in October and an extraordinary congress from November 7-10.

Their arguments emphasized the need to avoid fast-track procedures, unlike the rapid approach favored by the Kasselakis side, signaling a return to the race for the ousted SYRIZA President.

This decision followed intense discussions about the timeline for the internal party process, aiming to select leadership that would guide the party into a new era following the removal of Stefanos Kasselakis.

Eventually, after a vote with 18 in favor and 3 against (reportedly Theodora Tzakri, Pavlos Polakis, and Olympia Teligioridou), the final plan was approved:

• An Extraordinary Congress will be held from November 1-3.
• The election of the new President will have a first-round on November 24 and a second round on December 1.

The final decision is seen as a compromise intended to ease internal tensions and prepare for a new leadership that will steer SYRIZA into its next phase.

Polakis: “I Will Be a Candidate; Kasselakis Can Run Again if He Wants”

Arriving earlier at Koumoundourou, Pavlos Polakis reiterated his call for immediate internal elections, stating he would “naturally” be a candidate.

Polakis described the situation as a “wound that must be healed” so SYRIZA could focus on its goal of “bringing down the Mitsotakis government.” He expressed confidence that all SYRIZA members and supporters will participate in the election process.

Polakis also addressed speculation about Stefanos Kasselakis potentially running again, suggesting that Kasselakis might be waiting to see the polls before possibly forming a new party. He called for unity and emphasized that internal elections should occur in early November, asserting that they cannot be delayed further.

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