Hosted at the Peristeri Municipal Basketball Gymnasium, the 5th Congress of SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance begins today and will run for four days, even as a strong sense of self-dissolution looms within the internal party atmosphere of the radical Left party.

In the shadow of the 2nd Conference on Democracy and Social Justice organized by the Tsipras Institute, the public conversation surrounding the broader progressive space has recently shifted toward the “political initiative” announced by the former Prime Minister. Prominent SYRIZA members, such as Panos Rigas, are already reminiscing about the days of the “first time Left.” Even though Alexis Tsipras chose to remain vague without outlining his next moves, the prospect of a new political formation is among the key issues that most party officials are being asked to address, whether in TV studios or party events.

Without…a Progressive Alliance

At the same time, the congress begins amid a storm of resignations by senior members with significant social influence. After Zoe Karkoulia—an influential figure with PASOK roots and major organizational contributions—submitted her resignation, several others followed suit early this morning: Georgia Soultati, Tania Karagianni, Kostas Maniatis, and Nikos Mademlis.

These individuals, who come from PASOK backgrounds and have held roles in tertiary union organizations, were the critical core of the Progressive Alliance formed in 2019. However, in their resignation letter, they state: “We are now certain that the call to progressive forces after the 2019 national election defeat was a short-term construct and not the result of a mature and sincere, long-term political and programmatic vision.” They emphasize, “We are not abandoning our ideals or the collective struggle. On the contrary, we are laying new foundations to defend them.”

Domino Effect of Resignations

The wave of resignations has not subsided, even in the final hours before the Congress’s commencement. More departures are expected during the Congress itself, with many within the party quietly—but widely—speaking of a “great exodus” once the event concludes. Among those rumored to be preparing their exit are members of the “Group of 87,” and there is strong speculation that the party’s spokesperson, Giorgos Karameros, may also resign. Simultaneously, several members are expected to abstain from voting procedures. A key concern for Koumoundourou remains how many delegates will actually attend, considering only about 7,000 members voted nationwide to elect them.

In this context, the 5th Congress becomes a battleground to measure the influence of the “presidential” camp led by Sokratis Famellos against the group of Pavlos Polakis and Nikos Pappas, who have submitted an independent political platform signed by 55 people, showing strength after the recent fiasco with the Parliamentary Preliminary Committee.

Polakis’ Leadership Posture

Insiders familiar with internal balances expect a strong leadership display from Pavlos Polakis, who publicly criticized Alexis Tsipras yesterday. Polakis argued that a program for claiming power must be drafted immediately to oppose Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“The people are burning for Mitsotakis to go NOW or at least in the next election. I clearly feel the same! That’s why we must immediately present a VISIBLE leftist progressive alternative! Not in a five-year horizon…” Polakis posted. As a postscript, he referenced a photo with “someone who liberated the HOMELAND!!” — implying Aris Velouchiotis — and clarified it was from his ministerial days when “with a few determined people, real and tough battles were fought against the corruption and kleptocracy in the health sector,” as he noted.

His pointed remark toward the former Prime Minister following the Tsipras Institute’s 2nd Conference has been interpreted by some as Polakis’ attempt to dominate the Congress narrative. The prospect of direct confrontation with Tsipras-aligned figures is rallying nationwide support around him.

At the same time, the power struggle between the “Famellists” (aligned with the current party President) and the “Polakists” (supporting Polakis and Pappas) is seen as the defining issue for SYRIZA’s future—even if that future appears murky to many insiders.

With a strong “sense of finality,” as several members describe it, no one is betting on SYRIZA’s unity or future after Sunday—especially with the scent of a “new entity” thick in the air. Despite Alexis Tsipras’ present and consistent attendance at today’s opening ceremony of the 5th Congress, he is expected to leave after the speech by the current President, refraining from participating further—keeping a deliberate distance from the party’s new cycle of introversion, if not from its potential demise.