In an in-depth interview on Smile Again with Sissy Christidou, former SYRIZA President Stefanos Kasselakis shared his thoughts on the state of the party, its direction, and the challenges facing SYRIZA amidst internal tensions. The interview, filmed partly during Kasselakis’ recent tour of Chalkida, provided insight into his vision and concerns about the party’s direction and unity.
“SYRIZA Must Stay Autonomous”
Kasselakis made clear his position on party leadership, noting that while no official candidates have emerged yet, the upcoming congress will be pivotal. Addressing the speculation surrounding former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, he revealed, “We aren’t in contact at the moment, which saddens me.” He emphasized the importance of SYRIZA’s independence, saying, “SYRIZA must remain autonomous. Should anyone attempt to create a new center-left coalition, I will stand firmly against it.”
Avoiding a Personal Party but Warning of Mass Exodus
Responding to questions on whether he’d consider forming his party, Kasselakis was emphatic: “There’s no need for that. We already have a party.” However, he warned that if he is excluded from the SYRIZA leadership, it could lead to mass departures. “If the procedures aren’t democratic, SYRIZA will be at risk of dissolving. I believe members would leave en masse.”
Disputes Over Member Lists and Calls for Young People to Vote
Kasselakis highlighted issues with the party’s electoral processes, mentioning that there’s “an uproar about the lists.” He called for an immediate resolution to ensure that every SYRIZA member has their democratic right to vote. “If I am barred from being on the ballot at the end of November, I believe SYRIZA may not survive—it will lose its base.” He urged party members, especially younger voters, to participate in the elections.
On the logistical front, Kasselakis shared that his office is swamped with calls from members unable to locate their names on the voting lists. “We have 35 lines, and they’re all busy. There’s a clear demand from people wanting to address issues that have cropped up in the past two months.”
Frustration with Factionalism
Reflecting on the current state of the party, Kasselakis expressed disappointment with the factional mindset, criticizing what he saw as divisive politics. “I’m disappointed with how the two camps within the party treat each other,” he said, adding, “We’re holding an entire congress seemingly just to exclude one person.” He also expressed confidence about his chances in the upcoming vote, predicting “a significant lead on the first Sunday.”
Pushback Against Calls for Impeachment
Addressing internal calls for his impeachment, Kasselakis insisted, “I didn’t initiate this conflict; I was challenged from the start.” He described these calls as “premeditated decisions” driven by certain factions who, he argued, lack accountability. He noted that “the only person to take responsibility last year was Alexis Tsipras,” while others, he claimed, simply used leftist values to justify his exclusion.
“Centre-Left Porridge” and Pressure to Merge
Kasselakis acknowledged there are calls to shift SYRIZA toward a broader center-left coalition, which he dismissed as “pressure to create a center-left porridge.” He asserted that while he respects the progressive spectrum, SYRIZA shouldn’t dissolve its identity to appease others.
Focus on SYRIZA’s Future and Unity
Kasselakis ended on a pragmatic note, underscoring the importance of unity: “A party should be rowing in the same direction, not fixated on internal struggles.” He reaffirmed his commitment to SYRIZA’s congress, saying, “We will address the issues that persist.”
In closing, Kasselakis turned his gaze to the future, saying SYRIZA members need to be empowered to make decisions without outside interference, and he emphasized the need for a clear direction to preserve the party’s base and cohesion.
