As Christmas approaches, developments in the centre-left indicate accelerating political realignment ahead of 2026, with multiple initiatives, internal tensions, and shifting alliances shaping a changing progressive landscape.

A key milestone is the meeting scheduled for January 17 in Thessaloniki, linked to Alexis Tsipras’ political initiative known as “Ithaca.” At the grassroots level, calls for political self-organization have already begun, starting in Messinia. Under the name “Citizens’ Initiative of Messinia,” a group of citizens has issued a public appeal calling for the refoundation of the progressive political space, explicitly proposing Alexis Tsipras as its leader.

In their statement, the signatories argue that the reconstitution of the progressive movement should follow the political direction set by Tsipras. They emphasize the need for unified action across the progressive spectrum and call for broad participation in building a movement capable of responding to social demands and political dissatisfaction.

According to informed sources, similar initiatives are expected to emerge in other regions in early 2026, as presentations of the “Ithaca” project increase in frequency. These events are expected to include speakers from within SYRIZA, from outside the party, and from its broader political environment.

Uncertainty within SYRIZA’s European Representation

These developments are unfolding amid growing uncertainty regarding SYRIZA’s representation in the European Parliament. Following the removal of Nikos Pappas, the party currently has three MEPs, though sources suggest this number may soon change.

Speculation has intensified around Nikolaos Farantouris, who recently appeared on a panel in Brussels alongside Maria Karystianou. This has prompted discussion about a possible move to her emerging political initiative. SYRIZA officials do not exclude the possibility that Farantouris could instead align with PASOK, where he is known to maintain open communication channels, particularly with figures close to Haris Doukas.

At the same time, party leadership is monitoring the prolonged public silence of Elena Kountoura, which some within SYRIZA interpret as a sign that she may be considering a transition to another political formation. If such scenarios materialize, SYRIZA could be left with only one MEP, Kostas Arvanitis, who currently leads the party’s European delegation.

Kyriaki Malama’s Departure from the Democracy Movement

Another significant development is the resignation of Kyriaki Malama from Stefanos Kasselakis’ Democracy Movement. In a social media post, Malama criticized Kasselakis for announcing intentions of cooperation with parties outside the progressive and left-wing space without prior consultation with MPs or party officials.

She also objected to positions he has expressed publicly, including support for mining activities, the lack of clear opposition to private universities, and what she described as insufficient internal transparency within the party. According to Malama, these positions undermined the collective effort to build a modern, pluralistic left-wing alternative.

Responding from the United States, where he has been since Saturday, Kasselakis addressed party members, stating that he rejects ultimatums and withdrawals as methods of resolving internal disagreements. He emphasized that unity is built through dialogue and democratic decision-making, adding that while he respects personal choices to leave, the Democracy Movement does not belong to individuals.

Electoral Strategy and Internal Competition

The Democracy Movement has linked Malama’s departure to electoral considerations in Thessaloniki, where she reportedly intended to seek candidacy in the First District. In the same constituency, Michalis Hourdakis is also expected to compete and is believed to hold an advantage in securing party backing.

Party officials note that Thessaloniki is one of the Democracy Movement’s strongest regions, alongside Athens, Patras, and Heraklion, where seats are considered attainable. This dynamic has also revived discussions about Theodora Tzakri’s potential candidacy in Athens.

Kasselakis has announced that any post-election cooperation agreements will be decided by an extraordinary party congress scheduled for early February, where all members will have equal voting rights, including the party leader. Party sources argue that Malama’s resignation likely reflects broader political considerations and that she may soon seek alignment with another political formation.

PASOK as a Pole of Attraction

Amid these shifts, PASOK has emerged as a potential destination for figures repositioning themselves within the centre-left. Attention has turned to SYRIZA MP Nina Kasimati, who voted in favor of defense spending in the 2026 budget, contrary to her party’s line. This move prompted criticism from SYRIZA parliamentary officials and renewed speculation about her possible transition to PASOK.

According to sources close to PASOK headquarters on Harilaou Trikoupi Street, the party is not dismissive of such returns, even when they involve figures who previously left PASOK to align with Alexis Tsipras. The broader strategy appears to focus on consolidating parliamentary strength as the centre-left landscape continues to evolve.