The secret dinner of the “23” concerning the future of the center-left took place at the residence of former Minister Louka Katseli. The meeting focused on the future of the fragmented progressive camp, the possibility of forming a “unified ballot,” and the significance of September as a starting point for rebuilding an “alternative progressive proposal” against Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s government.

According to reports, the gathering occurred on Thursday, May 8, amid behind-the-scenes discussions between SYRIZA and New Left regarding a joint request to establish a Preliminary Investigative Committee against Kóstas Ach. Karamanlis concerning the Tempi train disaster.

An “Umbrella” Formation

Attending the meeting were, among others, Dionysis Temponeras, Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, Effie Achtsioglou, Petros Kokkalis, Giannis Mantzouranis, members of the “Papandreou” PASOK, “PASOK-leaning” former MPs who moved to SYRIZA and are part of Louka Katseli’s circle, such as Christos Kokkinovasilis and Dimitris Piperghias, as well as other figures like Giannis Drosos and Dimitris Lyritsis.

During the gathering, political assessments were made, initially regarding the broader space’s situation, examining the prospect of cooperation among existing parties with the aim of forming a new political entity under certain conditions.

The Approach

The solution currently favored by participants is to prevent the parties in the space from dissolving, despite frequent acknowledgment of their polling decline. Instead, they propose uniting into a new, single ballot with the support of the existing parties, following an agreement on a common program.

Katseli: Unified Ballot in September

It is noteworthy that Louka Katseli publicly shared her thoughts on a “unified ballot” during an interview with Naftemporiki TV, setting September as the month for broader progressive space negotiations.

Specifically, at the end of September, during a joint event of four progressive institutes, including INERPOST, where she is a board member, Katseli outlined developments within the center-left. She expressed that the space needs a “total rebranding,” while also describing that “the political system should move forward without Alexis (Tsipras),” as he remains outside a leading role in the political scene.