Internal peace within SYRIZA Progressive Alliance remains elusive, as after a tumultuous two months, a new point of contention arose over the weekend concerning the new offices rented by former party leader Stefanos Kasselakis.
Reports indicate that the space, located near Tavros, adjacent to Piraeus Street, will serve as Kasselakis’ campaign headquarters. The office is being furnished, with sources suggesting it will be open to journalists by mid-week for Kasselakis to officially launch his campaign from his new base.
“Dismantling SYRIZA”
On the other hand, SYRIZA’s “87” faction sees the rental of this new space as further proof of what they describe as the “dissolution” of the party. Sources claim, “The silence and lack of denial of reports this weekend, which claim Kasselakis wants to dissolve SYRIZA, while renting 1,500 square meters of office space, confirms the truth of these reports and his intentions.”
These sources further suggest that the release of this information “confirms that Kasselakis is on a mission to dismantle SYRIZA to serve interests that want to keep the New Democracy party in power.” They added, “We will watch his efforts to form his new party, leading to public support for New Democracy. He has done it before…”
Amidst the backlash, Kasselakis’ team intervened, clarifying that the rented space is for his campaign and that the lease ends after SYRIZA’s internal elections. Kasselakis’ team stated, “Stefanos Kasselakis rented offices for his campaign to become SYRIZA’s president. The offices are located in Tavros, near Piraeus Street, and will house him, his team, and the thousands of volunteers who have already pledged support on his campaign site.”
They added, “The lease runs until the second round of internal elections. The rental was necessary to coordinate the campaign after some rushed to remove him from his office and lock his emails overnight. Kasselakis has always acted transparently. A simple call could have clarified the situation.”
Despite these clarifications, senior party figures insist that Kasselakis is preparing to take the next step, possibly even forming his own party before the internal elections are completed. Some believe Kasselakis is working on multiple levels, preparing for both internal and external political developments, especially if the government faces serious challenges.
“It’s clear that Kasselakis’ plan to dismantle SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance and discredit the Left benefits the current status quo,” said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Olga Gerovasili in an article, suggesting that even New Democracy is involved in supporting Kasselakis.
Gerovasili emphasized that any democratic party would resist such a plan to protect itself, adding that while difficult decisions might be necessary, they become crucial in such situations.
SYRIZA Central Committee member Yiannis Boulekos also commented, calling Kasselakis out directly in a social media post: “Did you or did you not tell your associates that to form your own party, you first need to destroy SYRIZA-PS? Did you or did you not rent offices to house this effort? You owe an answer to SYRIZA’s members.”
Meanwhile, SYRIZA legal advisor Yiannis Matzouranis argued that Kasselakis had “self-excluded” himself from the party, as he no longer fits within the party’s guidelines.
The Battle for Delegates
Against this backdrop, the upcoming election for SYRIZA’s Congress delegates on November 2-3 is seen as a critical moment that will reveal the internal power dynamics. Kasselakis has urged supporters to register in local party branches by October 25 to participate in the delegate elections, stressing that no powerful mechanism can defeat a determined public.
Postponed Athens Speech
Meanwhile, Kasselakis’ scheduled speech in Athens’ Kolokotroni Square on Wednesday seems likely to be postponed due to weather and scheduling issues with the municipality. His team is now seeking a new venue for the event.
