Syriza Power Struggle: “Casselist” Expulsions Shake Congress Proceedings

In a pre-dawn showdown, the Syriza Progressive Alliance’s majority faction flexed its muscle by expelling Nina Kasimati and Thanos Moraitis from the Legalization Committee of the Congress. Both were supporters of Stefanos Kasselakis, a key minority figure, and their removal has escalated tensions within the party as it prepares for the upcoming extraordinary Congress.

The Tense Backstory

The Conference Legitimization Committee had convened to finalize which delegates would participate in the Congress, which begins this Friday. However, Kasimati and Moraitis reportedly challenged procedural issues, questioning decisions and allegedly leaking sensitive information to the press. After several hours of stalled discussion, the situation grew so strained that the Central Congress Organizing Committee (COCC) convened late at night to address the standoff.

In the heated midnight meeting, a majority voted to expel the two Kasselakis supporters from the committee, marking a significant defeat for the “Kasselistas” camp.

Kasselakis’ Response

Stefanos Kasselakis swiftly condemned the expulsions, arguing that the COCC was manipulating delegate approvals to silence his faction. He pointed to delegate counts, claiming that his side represents over 56% of elected delegates, and openly questioned the necessity of excluding his supporters if the majority were secure in their influence.

Widening Rift Between Factions

The internal battle has now spilled over to social media, with Kasselakis questioning the legitimacy of the majority’s moves. His followers remain defiant, asserting that they face pressure to leave but are determined to hold their ground. The looming conference is expected to bring these issues to a head, with both sides battling for control over the delegate list and, by extension, the conference outcome.

Excluded from the conference is Kapnisakis

However, if the proposed member organizations, according to the Kasselists, are up for removal, they include:

· Dionysos 9-6
· Lower Center 13-1
· Karditsa Farmers 6-0
· Pangrati 18-3
· Haidari 29-0
· Ampelokipoi 21-3
· Patissia 29-1
· Piraeus Second District 14-0
· Phocida 11-0 (Entire Regional Committee)

Key Exclusions in Question

The Kasselakis faction also claims that entire membership groups may be disqualified from participating in the conference, including notable sections from Athens, a key area of Kasselakis’ support. Should these organizations be barred, the delegate balance would likely tip further in favor of the majority, potentially affecting the conference decision on Kasselakis’ status within Syriza.

The expulsion has highlighted the strength of the majority faction’s grip within Syriza, with the power to set the tone and terms of the conference. The are promises to be contentious, with both sides vying to steer Syriza’s direction and influence future leadership decisions.

Battle for Influence

As reported by protothema.gr, the strong presence of “Kasselistas” in Athens has raised concerns among the majority, as the atmosphere in the conference hall is expected to be highly charged, particularly with supporters of the former SYRIZA leader in attendance. At the same time, however, the removal of two “Kasselistas” from the Delegate Legitimization Committee underscores the broad majority held by the “87” faction, who point out that their numbers give them control over the terms and conditions of the conference. This control has significant implications, especially if there is any motion to lift the censure against Mr. Kasselakis by the body of delegates.