Polakis

For leftist SYRIZA, the real challenge now lies ahead. We don't mean the likelihood of more MPs defecting from its parliamentary group or the fact that the ill-mannered Pavlos Polakis came second in Sunday's party leadership race with a stunning 43% that established him as the de facto voice of the opposition within the party.

The election on Sunday of Sokratis Famellos as SYRIZA's new leader marks a pivotal moment for Greece's left-wing party as it seeks to rebuild after significant electoral losses. 

The left-wing SYRIZA party, whose MP Sokratis Famellos was elected as it new leader Sunday, announced the election's official final results Monday, giving Famellos 49.36% of the vote.  

MP Sokratis Famellos has been elected the new leader of the left-wing SYRIZA party; official final results are still pending.

SYRIZA MP Sokratis Famellos is leading the left-wing party's leadership voting and could clnch victory in the first round.

Polls Open Nationwide
Today marks the first round of SYRIZA Progressive Alliance’s internal elections to choose the party’s new President. Voting is taking place in 400 polling stations across Greece.

Wednesday's TV debate between the candidates for the new SYRIZA leader did not garner the same attention as the corresponding debate held by PASOK, nor did it demonstrate the same level of seriousness.

SYRIZA's internal elections this weekend are a crucial test for the embattled party as it grapples with dwindling voter enthusiasm. 

Party leaders hope turnout surpasses 70,000 voters - anything less would signify another blow for a party struggling after losing its position as Greece's main opposition.

With deep dives into the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance’s governmental past, plenty of “friendly fire” among comrades, and repeated references to their return to opposition benches, the two-plus-hour debate between the four contenders for the party’s presidency unfolded. From the very first moments, the participants enthusiastically plunged into the battle of impressions.

The four candidates for the leadership of left-wing SYRIZA took part Wednesday in a debate largely devoid of drama on state TV ERT.