The departures from SYRIZA are continuing, as just a short while ago Vasilis Kokkalis announced his intention to resign his parliamentary seat. In his written statement, he said that he would inform the President of Parliament next week.

Vasilis Kokkalis’ seat will remain with SYRIZA, meaning the opposition party is now left with 12 MPs, while further departures are expected in the coming hours.

Vasilis Kokkalis’ seat will go to Ioannis Karipidis, who is the first substitute candidate on SYRIZA’s ballot in Larissa. “My intention is to be sworn in normally, accepting the parliamentary office. I will take the oath and from then on I will see what my next steps will be…” Mr Karipidis told onlarissa.gr.

Vasilis Kokkalis’ resignation statement

The full statement by Vasilis Kokkalis announcing his resignation from parliamentary office:

“With a sense of responsibility towards the citizens of Larissa and with respect for the mandate I received, I have decided to resign from parliamentary office and hand over my seat. This decision was not an easy one. However, it is clear and conscious, as the political circumstances that have taken shape do not allow me to continue in Parliament while pretending that nothing has changed.

I know that farmers, livestock breeders, workers and people who have stood by me all these years will ask: ‘You fought for us in Parliament. How will you continue to do so from now on?’ My answer is simple: I will continue to fight with the same determination, from other positions, within society and alongside those who struggle for dignity and justice.

The country urgently needs a return to institutional normality, the restoration of citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and genuine reform of the political system. It needs a new political beginning, with transparency, accountability and respect for Democracy.

I have always been an advocate of a broad social and progressive front, capable of bringing forces together and providing meaningful answers to the major social challenges of our time. I will continue to work in this direction, without positions of office and without personal conditions. Within the coming week, I will also inform the President of Parliament. I wholeheartedly thank the citizens of Larissa for their trust and honour.

Yours sincerely,
Vasilis Kokkalis — lawyer before the Supreme Court”

Olga Gerovasili also becomes independent from SYRIZA

Earlier today, Olga Gerovasili also announced that she was becoming independent from SYRIZA, while the latest wave of departures includes Giannis Ragousis, Miltos Zambaras and Dionysis Kalamatianos.

“From my position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament arise institutional obligations. For this reason, following consultation with the President of Parliament, so that no sudden dysfunctions arise, I will send him the relevant letter of independence in the immediate coming days,” Olga Gerovasili said in her statement.

Full statement by Olga Gerovasili

“From the very first moment I became involved in politics — local government and the central political scene — I sought to serve a Goal, to defend society and its needs in the best possible way.

I believed and continue to believe that the Left and the Progressive movement are, above all, the forces that can bring social Justice and provide effective solutions to the constantly intensifying institutional, economic, social and political problems, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the prosperity of society and the strengthening of our homeland.

This is precisely what the SYRIZA government of 2015-2019 did, when, under mined and suffocating conditions, it freed the country from bankruptcy and the memorandums that had been inherited by the Greek people from the parties that alternated in government during the four decades of the post-junta period. In the years that followed, the difficulties were many and the battles countless.

I stood selflessly. I did not have a moment of ‘second thoughts’ when the stakes became the very dignity of our political space and its people. Whatever role I had to serve, despite the conflicts that had to take place, whatever political cost I had to bear, even when the ship did not appear to be finding shelter, I operated with only one guiding principle: ‘Love responsibility…’

This is how I proceeded and this is how I will continue to proceed. With the same Goal and the same Principles. However, this Goal and these Principles are not expressed by the remaining formation. That is why I am becoming independent from the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Parliamentary Group.

From my position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament arise institutional obligations. For this reason, following consultation with the President of Parliament, so that no sudden dysfunctions arise, I will send him the relevant letter of independence in the immediate coming days.”

Ragousis and Zambaras become independent from SYRIZA

Giannis Ragousis also announced his resignation from SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance this morning. The former minister chose to address the members and party officials with whom he had shared a common path in recent years, expressing his gratitude for their journey together.

A short time later, Miltos Zambaras, an MP for Aetolia-Acarnania, also announced that he was becoming independent from SYRIZA.

Dionysis Kalamatianos becomes independent

The Elis MP, Dionysis Kalamatianos, also submitted his declaration of independence to the President of Parliament.

As he stated in his declaration: “From now on, I will carry out my parliamentary duties as an independent MP for Elis.”

In his announcement, the Elis MP said:

“I announced my departure from every party position and my decision to become independent, fully aware of the weight of this choice. I served and will continue to serve the values that led me into politics. It is a decision of responsibility towards the fellow citizens who honoured me with their vote, as well as towards my own political and moral convictions. It is my deep belief that the Progressive movement must not and cannot be divided.

Today, more than ever, we need a front of courage and honesty. A front for the protection of democracy and the defence of social rights on the path towards a fair society. A front of unity, hope and prospects for Greece, for the people who live in this country, and for the younger generation. I will continue contributing to this with all my strength. I am certain that the progressive movement can once again become a force for renewal and change.

On this basis, Alexis Tsipras’ initiative offers hope and prospects. My duty and my responsibility have always been, and continue to be, my presence alongside society. The time of responsibility has arrived. I am present and I will continue, in whatever way I can be useful. We will meet again in new struggles.”

Polakis and Dourou battle for leadership

The battle for the party leadership in Parliament is expected to be decided between the two finalists, Rena Dourou and Pavlos Polakis, with Ms Dourou currently maintaining a lead among the electoral body.

However, immediately after the election of the new leadership of the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Parliamentary Group, the party’s Central Committee is also meeting tomorrow, with the aim of electing a new secretary, with former minister Nikos Pappas considered the favourite for the position, as well as appointing new collective bodies.

In this direction, the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Political Secretariat is meeting today at 3pm, while a few hours before the start of the meeting Giannis Ragousis resigned from the party body, with reports suggesting that further similar departures may be recorded during the day.

Meanwhile, a key role in the party’s internal developments is expected to be played by Chania MP Pavlos Polakis, who rejoined the party’s Parliamentary Group once again — for the third time yesterday — while he criticised the MPs who became independent because they did not surrender their seats, “blocking” his election to the leadership of the Parliamentary Group.

“It is clear that ‘some people’ know who SYRIZA will have as its leader and that it will exist and grow stronger, AND THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING!!” Mr Polakis commented, as the formation of the new balance of forces within the party’s Central Committee is expected to act as a catalyst for the decisions of the Chania MP from now on.

In any case, however, Elena Akrita has openly sided with Rena Dourou, while Christos Giannoulis made clear that he will not vote for Pavlos Polakis. In this landscape, “I will vote for Rena Dourou and I support it publicly,” Theofilos Xanthopoulos stressed yesterday, adding another vote in her favour.