Tonight, the internal debate within SYRIZA Progressive Alliance will take place on ERT’s frequency, as the four presidential candidates of the opposition party—Apostolos Gletsos, Pavlos Polakis, Sokratis Famellos, and Nikola Farandouris—will face off at 8 PM.

This televised debate, expected to last more than 2.5 hours, will see the four finalists for SYRIZA’s leadership answering dozens of questions, including “comradely” challenges, as they aim to win over voters in the battle of impressions.

The Structure

The pre-election teams have already intensified their preparations for the debate since yesterday, dedicating most of the day to strategizing alternative scenarios. The four candidates will discuss their positions on the following four thematic areas:

• Economy
• Climate Crisis
• Social State/Party Organization
• Foreign Policy

Since the journalists’ questions, posed by Apostolos Maggiriadis and Christina Vidou, should not exceed 30 seconds, each candidate will have a maximum of 120 seconds to respond. Each candidate will also have the right to ask two questions to their fellow candidates, with these questions focused on two of the four thematic areas. Additionally, journalists will have the option for follow-up questions, where each political figure must respond in just 60 seconds.

Afterward, each candidate will present their vision for the party and the country in 100 seconds. Following that, they will be asked three questions by their fellow candidates, bringing the total number of questions from participants to over 20.

Aside from their views on SYRIZA, the progressive movement, and the current political situation, some of the candidates will present their policy proposals. Pavlos Polakis will present his plan titled “Honest Greece,” while Sokratis Famellos will introduce a “pro-people, realistic, and modern” program for the first time tonight.

The Obstacle: The Will

The goal of the four presidential candidates, beyond their personal advantage, is to increase participation and cohesion within the internal party process, especially while the “Kasselakis circle”—the departure of MPs and officials—has not yet fully played out. In fact, according to information, Theodora Tzakri and Giota Poulou are expected to leave tomorrow, Thursday, while it is confirmed that the event for the founding declaration of Stefanos Kasselakis’ new political entity will take place on Saturday, despite some unexpected challenges. Originally, this event was to be held at the Zappeion Hall; however, the space was not granted due to the donor’s will, which prohibits the venue’s use by non-parliamentary parties.

Despite this, sources from the party emphasize that the central plan remains unchanged, with preparations continuing for the Saturday event. Additionally, today marks the start of consultations regarding the naming of the new political entity led by Kasselakis.

400 Ballots for the Election

Preparations are also intensifying within Kounoudourou for the first round of the internal elections this Sunday. The Central Electoral Committee (KEFE), led by Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, held a meeting yesterday, with 400 electoral committees from across Greece involved. Xenogiannakopoulou reportedly described this as the best meeting in years, noting the high levels of unity and cohesion within the party.

From a technical standpoint, 400 ballot boxes are expected to be set up across the country, the same number used during the preliminary elections for the European Parliament. The ballot boxes will open at 8 AM on Sunday and close at 7 PM, with the possibility of extending the process.

According to SYRIZA officials, the political climate in recent days has been further intensified by statements made by Stefanos Kasselakis regarding the tragedy in Mati, which sparked strong reactions from the party’s members and a significant portion of its traditional base.

This has not stopped daily tensions between Kounoudourou and the “Kasselistas,” who have complained about the mass sending of text messages from either the party or presidential candidates to their phones, citing a violation of their privacy.

Meanwhile, Kounoudourou is considering legal action against the party’s former president, as discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the Political Secretariat, due to difficulties retrieving passwords from social media accounts, email addresses of organizations, and even party equipment.

Statement on the Election

In a statement regarding the upcoming elections, Kounoudourou emphasized that the members and supporters of SYRIZA-PS would take matters into their own hands, urging mass participation in the vote to reinforce the broader left-wing cause and the reconstruction of the progressive movement. The statement also criticized the attempts by various elites and the economic oligarchy to undermine the party’s efforts.

“On Sunday, November 24, SYRIZA-PS members and supporters will deliver a resounding response to the plans of those attempting to create a new party with no connection to the Left, one that will serve as a wild card in the political system to prevent SYRIZA from remaining the main opposition party in the parliament, as determined by the people’s vote.”

This statement emphasizes the importance of this internal election for strengthening SYRIZA-PS, with a call for broad and active participation from members, the left, and progressive citizens in the elections.