SYRIZA circles from Koumoundourou accuse a plot of “defection” and a conspiracy aimed at removing SYRIZA from the main opposition. This comes after intentions of MPs to declare independence, with Petros Pappas already having made this move.

“Some think they can transfer their parliamentary seats as easily as they move their own bodies. However, it’s evident from yesterday’s events that the seats leaving us are not moving towards Stefanos Kasselakis, but rather carrying the position of the main opposition to Mr. Androulakis. This carries the stigma of defection and indicates a scheme aiming to remove the role of the main opposition from SYRIZA,” stated SYRIZA sources.

“We’ve had enough! SYRIZA has demonstrated it isn’t a stillborn entity, unlike those trying to split its structure. Whether in opposition or government, it consistently represents the citizens’ concerns, and no vested interest plan will dictate its future,” concluded SYRIZA sources, highlighting Kasselakis’s announcement of a new party.

Presidential Candidates’ Response:

The four presidential candidates expressed concerns about attempts to transform and dissolve SYRIZA to lose its position as the main opposition, benefiting a wider conspiracy. They addressed the developments following Stefanos Kasselakis’s speech and his announcement of a new party.

Sokratis Famellos, Pavlos Polakis, Nikos Farantouris, and the Parliamentary Group leader Nikos Pappas called on MPs considering declaring independence to refrain, warning that such moves would be seen as defection and judged by history.

The common appearance of the four presidential candidates on stage marked a show of unity. Polakis emphasized, “The attempt to transform SYRIZA failed. If they had the majority, their first action would have been a motion against the Presidency.” He criticized the announcement of a new party as a premeditated effort, stating, “The SYRIZA of 5%, focusing only on certain rights, failed miserably.”

Famellos responded to a statement by Tzakri that “SYRIZA no longer exists,” asserting, “They lied to you. SYRIZA is here, deeply rooted in society and leftist struggles. You can’t erase the history of the Left.”

Farandouris added, “The plan to dissolve SYRIZA was devised outside of it and is clearly being executed outside of SYRIZA.”

Nikos Pappas, addressing accusations of defection, stated, “This is the definition of deviation. There is no party to act as a cover for defectors, especially not SYRIZA.”

Defections and New Political Group:

The wave of independences began with Corfu MP Alexandros Avlonitis, followed by Kilkis MP Petros Pappas and Rallia Christidou, shortly before the first day of the SYRIZA conference concluded. The late-night official departure of Stefanos Kasselakis from SYRIZA triggered another MP, Kyriaki Malama, to declare independence. It is almost certain that more resignations will follow. Among MPs in contact with Kasselakis are Theodora Tzakri, Elena Akrita, and Nina Kasimati, with additional names such as Evangelos Apostolakis, Vasilis Kokkalis, Rania Thraskia, Giorgos Gavrilos, and Giannis Sarakiotis being mentioned.

If six more MPs aligned with Kasselakis decide to declare independence, a rule will activate allowing him to form an independent parliamentary group, potentially reducing SYRIZA to a mid-sized political party.