SYRIZA: Turbulence Grows as Kasselakis Maneuvers—Subtle Moves Force the “87” to the Margins, Accusations Emerge

In a recent development, a disagreement between Stefanos Kasselakis and a faction within SYRIZA known as the “87” has surfaced following a Political Secretariat meeting. Kasselakis has alleged that this group is working to discredit and undermine the party, accusing them of seeking to dissolve SYRIZA into a vague center-left movement. In response, the “87” have denied these claims, suggesting instead that Kasselakis is destabilizing the party himself, engaging in populism and creating internal conflicts.

Kasselakis addressed the situation in a video, stating his commitment to safeguarding SYRIZA’s values, while the “87” reiterated their refusal to follow what they view as Kasselakis’ divisive actions. The debate touches on leadership concerns, future direction, and broader internal challenges for SYRIZA.

In his video, Stefanos Kasselakis elaborated:

“There is an organized plan: the daily humiliation of SYRIZA until the congress, with the aim that no one remains, that first of all, you become disappointed, that you stop supporting, and SYRIZA, fully devalued, does not change but instead dissolves into a vague ‘Center-Left’ with a ‘savior’ chosen by the Establishment.

Because such formations only appear through intrigue. My position does not allow me to let this happen. I am the President of all, not of one faction. I must uphold the dignity of SYRIZA and, above all, the dignity of SYRIZA’s people.

If they respect even a little the people of SYRIZA, they should reveal NOW all their sincere intentions. I will not allow our hopes to be burned for two months until the congress, only for them to leave us with the ashes.

I will move forward as long as human strength permits. At a statutory congress where everything will change. SYRIZA will either become the party of the members, the citizens, of an open society, or it will become a relic bypassed by history. Let us all respect the people who have supported us and are anxious. They owe nothing to be dragged into the depths of personal ambition.

Dignity now. So there is opposition now. Because despite the massive internal efforts to devalue us, even today Kyriakos Mitsotakis fears only one thing because he cannot control it: your SYRIZA, our SYRIZA.”

The Background: Leadership Crisis in SYRIZA – Polakis Determined, Kasselakis Hesitant

As reported earlier by protothema.gr, SYRIZA finds itself in a new internal landscape following the questioning of party leader Stefanos Kasselakis by independent MP and former supporter Pavlos Polakis, which significantly altered the situation for the main opposition party.

Polakis: “I Will Be Useful”

During the first meeting of SYRIZA’s guiding body, which discussed the party media’s financial impasse, Pavlos Polakis surprised everyone, especially Stefanos Kasselakis, by raising the issue of leadership. He noted, “With the current situation in the party, we cannot seriously pursue significant governmental change. We are producing far more political gossip than political direction,” adding with emphasis, “I will be useful.”

Kasselakis’ Countermove

In response, SYRIZA leader Stefanos Kasselakis, visibly caught off guard, initially replied, “I won’t take the bait; whoever wants to can make a motion at the Central Committee,” before later posting a lengthy message on social media, attempting to calm Pavlos Polakis while criticizing the “87.” However, Kasselakis’ efforts to placate Polakis and, more importantly, the part of SYRIZA’s base, large on social media, that has shifted in support of Polakis, is no easy task. Many “Polakistas,” SYRIZA supporters loyal to Polakis, are furious over his expulsion from the party’s parliamentary group.

While Kasselakis stated, “I will meet with Pavlos, no matter how things develop,” and hinted at removing the “87,” Polakis quickly responded, not with conciliation but with frustration. “This situation can’t continue,” he said, in the wake of a leaked audio where he raised the issue of leadership at the party’s Political Secretariat, confirming that he had decided to openly challenge his former ally.

The Reasons

Polakis’ main criticism seems to focus on Kasselakis’ inability to confront the government head-on and potentially bring about its downfall. Polakis stressed that “we need to move beyond moralizing and over-ideologizing every right and issue. We need a clear political direction to bring down the Mitsotakis government.” He also emphasized the need for a new program for SYRIZA, saying, “We need a program that is easily understood by the people, socially necessary, in conflict with the Establishment, and brings hope to the new generation. Unfortunately, our current leadership cannot provide that. That’s why major changes are needed, and soon. And as far as I’m concerned, I will do my best to make them happen.”

As previously reported by protothema.gr, Polakis had indirectly “warned” SYRIZA’s leadership of its errors and omissions regarding the party’s performance in the European elections. In his first interview following the election results, Polakis remarked on Attica TV that “Stefanos’ mistakes, in my opinion, are the overexposure of his personal life, his financial status, and his choice of partner, etc. For me, these two things cost us electorally, and I believe he understands that and will make corrective moves.”

However, Kasselakis does not seem to have grasped the weight of Polakis’ critique, leading to Polakis’ expulsion from the parliamentary group—a move that became a flashpoint for many of Polakis’ supporters and marked the start of Polakis’ open challenge to Kasselakis.

Defense and Unease

In a post on social media, Kasselakis defended his position, saying, “I entered politics alone, I’m not a faction leader, I have no guard or tendency. And I will not become the president of any guard or tendency,” referencing his predecessor Alexis Tsipras and his close associates. He added, “Whoever wants to contest again is welcome,” even though the leadership crisis was triggered from within by one of Kasselakis’ former key allies—Pavlos Polakis.

Given the current situation, the first to choose sides will be the “Kasselakis supporters,” including MPs, officials, and communication teams who supported Stefanos Kasselakis but were affected over the summer by the “Polakis group.” Early reactions show that Kasselakis’ strongest supporters, including online influencers, are divided, reflecting internal tensions.

A strong critique was directed at Pavlos Polakis and Alexis Tsipras. Nikos Moraitis criticized Polakis’ approach, accusing him of turning his removal into a personal feud and lamenting that Kasselakis is ignoring public calls to bring Polakis back. Polakis responded to Moraitis online, accusing him of changing his stance multiple times over the year.

A New Political Party?

Online discussions also raised the possibility of Kasselakis forming a new political party, suggesting he has strong personal support that could enable this move. Some believe that his share of the vote could be around 15%.

The “Clash”

As Kasselakis’ and Polakis’ supporters clash on social media, the Central Committee of SYRIZA becomes crucial in determining whether Polakis can influence the party’s direction. For Polakis to initiate a leadership vote, he needs more than half the committee’s support. Currently, the committee is seen as divided into three camps: Kasselakis supporters, Polakis supporters, and others.

The “87”

The group of “87” responded to Kasselakis’ accusations by leaving it to the SYRIZA members and the public to judge his actions. They claim Kasselakis himself raised leadership issues in his posts, despite his earlier refusal to engage in discussions about it. They also pointed out their satisfaction with their efforts, which resulted in party media employees being informed they would soon be paid.

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