The internal crisis within the SYRIZA Progressive Alliance seems to have reached a new stage in the heart of Pagrati. Following a tense day of exchanges between the “Kasselists” and the party’s majority faction, the evening took a dramatic turn as former SYRIZA PS President Stefanos Kasselakis, accompanied by his husband, Tyler Macbeth, unexpectedly crossed paths with several key figures of the “Tsipras Guard” at a well-known SYRIZA-friendly hangout.
Kasselakis found himself face-to-face with prominent party veterans Alexos Flambouraris, Olga Gerovassili, Christos Spirtzis, Katerina Notopoulou, Stergios Kalpakis, and Zoe Karkoulia, sparking a spontaneous and lively discussion on SYRIZA’s internal issues.
Drinks, Delegate Lists, and Intrigue
The impromptu meeting of these two rival intra-party groups drew attention not only for the timing—just days before SYRIZA’s Extraordinary Conference—but for the symbolism of the factions sharing the same table amid recent tensions. While the conversation unfolded in Pagrati, the Committee for the Legalization of Delegates was meeting at the party’s headquarters in Koumoundourou, deciding which delegates would be allowed entry to the Congress.
Heated Exchanges
Unsurprisingly, the encounter wasn’t short on fiery exchanges. Alexos Flambouraris reportedly reminded Kasselakis, “We warned you, but you didn’t listen,” referring to events during his leadership that some believe contributed to the party’s current divide. The situation intensified when Kasselakis denied allegations of bullying against Thessaloniki MP Katerina Notopoulou, to which she replied, “We don’t sue over politics; we resolve issues politically.”
Christos Spirtzis, former Infrastructure Minister, reportedly confronted Kasselakis about discussions regarding his leadership challenges that began in August, expressing frustrations that tensions had escalated since the European elections. In a particularly charged moment, Spirtzis raised the topic of “black money” allegations. Defending his integrity, he asserted, “I’ve signed contracts worth billions—I won’t let you accuse me of handling ‘black money.'”
Cooler Heads Prevail
With tensions threatening to boil over, Parliament Vice President Olga Gerovassili stepped in, taking Kasselakis aside for a private conversation, allowing both sides a moment to cool down.
Key Points and What’s Next
This encounter reveals just how deep SYRIZA’s internal divisions run, especially with the Conference around the corner. The days ahead will be telling as Kasselakis and the SYRIZA veterans continue to grapple over the future direction of the party.
