Political Secretariat

Main opposition SYRIZA is heading to its crucial central committee meeting on September 7 and 8 fragmented into three parts comprising its leader Stefanos Kasselakis, the group of 87, and his former mentor Pavlos Polakis, who was ousted from the party's parliamentary group in July.

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.

Today finds the SYRIZA Progressive Alliance in a new internal landscape, as the challenge to party leader Stefanos Kasselakis by independent MP for Chania and former strong supporter, Pavlos Polakis, has dramatically altered the situation for the main opposition party.

Polakis: “I will prove useful”

Recently ousted party MP Pavlos Polakis called for a change in leadership, though he did not directly name party leader  Kasselakis.

"The leadership cannot move forward like this. It cannot provide a political solution. Change is needed, and I will contribute to this effort for change," Polakis reportedly said in front of Political Secretariat members.

The group of 87 members has resigned from the Political Secretariat of SYRIZA.

During a meeting of the party’s Political Secretariat, Polakis suggested that changes were needed and implied he could play a role in this process. His remark, “I will be useful,” was interpreted by some party members as a sign of potential candidacy.

Independent MP since yesterday afternoon is Chania MP Pavlos Polakis, as his verbal attack on a staff member of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis resulted in his expulsion from the SYRIZA Parliamentary Group, dramatically changing the agenda and dynamics within the main opposition.

The Timeline of the Expulsion

The meeting of the Political Secretariat of SYRIZA PS ended today without any resolution. Despite lasting over four hours, it failed to bridge the gap between the stance of SYRIZA PS President Stefanos Kasselakis and leading party officials, with direct reference to former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Mr. Kasselakis expressed his commitment to upholding the values of camaraderie, integrity, and respect for diverse perspectives within SYRIZA. He highlighted the importance of listening to all party members, regardless of differing viewpoints, and underscored his refusal to tolerate any actions that may undermine the party’s integrity.

Employees of Avgi were waiting for Stefanos Kasselakis outside Koumoundourou, where the SYRIZA Political Secretariat was meeting. They expressed their displeasure at the decision to cease the daily publication of Avgi.