SYRIZA has decided to expel MEP Nikolas Farantouris following his statements, in which he publicly said that he is “joining” his voice with that of Maria Karystianou, President of the Association of Relatives of Victims “Tempi 2023,” leaving open the possibility of aligning with her in the party she is in the process of forming.

SYRIZA’s announcement

“By decision of the President of SYRIZA–PS, Socratis Famellos, Nikolaos Farantouris is removed from the party’s European Parliament group. The MEP is obliged to hand over his seat to the party with which he was elected, since he does not clearly commit to representing SYRIZA–PS voters in the European Parliament.”

The atmosphere at Koumoundourou grew heavier due to the fact that, despite communication with him by SYRIZA–PS President Socratis Famellos the previous evening—seeking explanations—Mr. Farantouris made no clear re-statement in support of the party. On the contrary, in his morning statements he not only did not “declare SYRIZA,” as he is said to have privately committed to the leadership, but also kept open the possibility of joining the political entity being formed and announced by Ms. Karystianou.

According to information, this stance caused intense annoyance and anger among party officials, who judged that the MEP is now operating outside the party line. At Koumoundourou they stress that his public identification with initiatives outside SYRIZA—at a time when Maria Karystianou’s political intentions are beginning to become clearer—could not go unanswered.