SYRIZA’s parliamentary group has been reduced to a critical number of 31 members, with Alexandros Avlonitis, Kyriaki Malama, and Rallia Christidou formally announcing their decision to become independent MPs. They submitted their resignation letters late Sunday afternoon to the President of the Parliament, Kostas Tasoulas.

It is worth noting that on Saturday, just hours after the turbulent start of the party congress, MP Petros Pappas from Kilkis also submitted a letter declaring his independence.

Now, SYRIZA’s parliamentary strength matches that of PASOK with 31 MPs. However, SYRIZA retains its status as the main opposition party for the time being, according to the Parliament’s rules: “In the event of a tie, the Parliamentary Group of the party that received more votes in the elections that formed the current Parliament takes precedence.”

Nonetheless, it seems a matter of days — if not hours — before more resignations follow. If this happens, it will mark the first time in post-junta Greek history that a party loses the position of main opposition.

It should be noted that Theodora Tzakri has also expressed her intention to become an independent MP. Additionally, three MPs close to the Kasselakis circle — Giorgos Gavrilos, Giannis Sarakiotis, and Giota Poulou — have announced their resignation from their parliamentary roles (i.e., parliamentary representatives and sector heads) but are currently remaining within the parliamentary group.

Notably, following the announcement of the formation of a new political entity, Stefanos Kasselakis may seek parliamentary representation. This can only be achieved by forming a new parliamentary group consisting of at least 10 independent MPs.