Voting is underway as SYRIZA members cast ballots this weekend to elect delegates ahead of the party’s extraordinary congress to choose new leadership. The tense atmosphere reflects deep divisions within the party, with each side passionately advocating for their vision of SYRIZA’s future.
Tensions have been building, with Kasselistas—a faction led by former party president Stefanos Kasselakis—accusing the majority of trying to prevent members from voting in the congress elections. Today, Kasselakis, rallying support at various Members’ Organizations (OMs), refuted the allegations, urging members to vote for change. He wore a purple badge declaring, “I am here,” a bold statement of commitment to the party.
“I’m not giving up,” Kasselakis declared on social media. “This party must be the Left of inclusion, not exclusion.”
His calls for unity come amid accusations from both sides. Kasselakis claims that “cut lists” of members have been circulated to prevent certain members from voting, even alleging an “attempt to alter the electorate.” His passionate plea: “Stay strong, stand up for democracy.”
Yet, accusations have flown from the other side, too. The majority faction alleged that a Kasselista supporter tried to manipulate the vote at SYRIZA’s Agios Dimitrios OM. Witnesses reported seeing ballots allegedly tampered with by the organization’s coordinator. The situation escalated when the coordinator was confronted and allegedly responded aggressively, resulting in police intervention and suspension of voting at the location.
SYRIZA’s internal rift deepened as Kasselakis took to social media, insisting that this weekend’s vote is crucial for his candidacy. In a video from his campaign headquarters, he urged supporters to vote for delegates, warning that failing to do so would jeopardize his chances of running. “If you don’t vote for delegates, they won’t let me run,” he said. “This is about democracy and the voice of our members.”
“Democracy is at stake this weekend,” Kasselakis continued, calling on members to check their voting eligibility, OMs, and voting times to ensure their participation. He reminded members that support channels are open for questions and assistance.
SYRIZA’s Road Ahead: A Call for Democratic Choice
As votes continue through Sunday night, the atmosphere remains charged, with both sides dedicated to shaping the party’s direction. Kasselakis calls this vote a pivotal moment, while SYRIZA’s leadership faces one of its most critical tests of unity and transparency.
Whether through Kasselakis’ vision or the majority’s preferred path, this election marks a defining moment for SYRIZA as it grapples with the balance between tradition and transformation.
