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Conflict between SYRIZA Progressive Alliance and PASOK – Movement for Change continues with intensity, for the leadership of the Center-Left, with second place in the European elections inevitably signifying the winner in terms of progressive dominance.
In this perspective, Koumoundourou and Charilaou Trikoupi clashed once again yesterday, exchanging sharp criticisms in high tones, escalating disparage with June 9th in sight. Commenting on yesterday’s interview from the president of PASOK – KINAL, “Mr. Androulakis, while characterising the Mitsotakis government as unreliable and the prime minister himself as undermining the rule of law, seemed to ultimately trust him to conduct fair elections,” Koumoundourou said, accusing Mr. Androulakis of the “unprecedented” claim that “early elections are not necessary because the result of the European elections will force Mr. Mitsotakis to change his policy!”.
“It’s now obvious who’s propping up New Democracy. As for Mr. Androulakis, we wish him luck in his dreams of securing second place. After all, it’s all in vain,” concluded SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance in a statement, reflecting an atmosphere between the two political camps that is more than just combative.
Furthermore, the race for dominance within the Center-Left is expected to continue today within the framework of the “Delphi Forum,” where both Alexis Tsipras and Nikos Androulakis are expected to speak successively this afternoon. Tomorrow, Stefanos Kasselakis will take the floor.
In his second public intervention since resigning from the leadership of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Mr. Tsipras is expected to address the broader picture of international politics, focusing on the rise of the Far Right and the necessity for a common path among progressive forces. The European interest of Alexis Tsipras was recently highlighted during his meeting with EU Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, where they discussed developments in the EU against the backdrop of the upcoming European elections, the European economy, and the Recovery Fund. Moreover, Mr. Tsipras and Mr. Gentiloni maintain a very good relationship, having closely collaborated within the framework of the Party of European Socialists (PES), to which PASOK-KINAL is organically affiliated.
On his part, Nikos Androulakis expressed his electoral goal yesterday, which is none other than securing the second place in the European elections. He commented on the President of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Stefanos Kasselakis, stating that his call for early elections under the watchful eye of international observers was “nonsense.” A few hours later, “I have no doubt that on June 9th we will excel. Let’s go strong,” Kasselakis retorted from Peristeri, launching a frontal attack against the government during the presentation of the second wave of candidates for the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Primary Elections.
Referring to the “electoral earthquake” of 2012, “to rally once again the majority of the progressive and democratic people of the country to SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance. The people of the left, the center-left, the progressive center, and the ecological movement. To regain our governmental perspective because we are neither a protest party nor a complementary party to the political system,” Olga Gerovasili, Vice President of the Parliament, stated yesterday in an article for Dnews. Speaking of “a new rallying of the progressive field,” Mrs. Gerovasili estimates that “the goal for SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance is to align this ‘social’ opposition with the institutional opposition,” as PASOK “still struggles to overcome a fundamental contradiction: On the one hand, its collaboration with New Democracy during the memorandum era and in the anti-SYRIZA front, and on the other hand, being a party of the progressive field that should strategically oppose conservative policies,” she said. On the contrary, she emphasised that for SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance, it is imperative “to channel the increasingly growing discontent of citizens towards a left-wing, progressive, and democratic direction.” “The first milestone in this effort is the battle of the European elections in June, and we will give it all our strength,” Mrs. Gerovasili concluded.
“Right Sour Grapes”
With the aim of maximising the ascent of the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance in the European elections, its president, Stefanos Kasselakis, criticised the government, referring to its approach to everyday issues. Describing its measures against school bullying as “sour grapes from the right,” suggesting they are disappointing. Furthermore, he mentioned the unprecedented process of selecting representatives, inviting people to support SYRIZA and take action.
In his brief intervention, Stefanos Kasselakis did not fail to strongly criticise the government for the Tempi case, referring to the ‘big cover-up’ and posing a series of questions to the government leadership. He also called on citizens to vote positively for SYRIZA PS in the upcoming elections, refuting allegations about lifestyle. ‘The government talks about a lifestyle policy and lack of proposals. Well, you will hear proposals from us for everything – like now for security. Proposals from experts, not from politicians. Modern proposals, not from the dusty drawers of the right,” Kasselakis said characteristically, proposing two measures against school bullying:
Kasselakis proposed two measures against school bullying:
– Psychologist with teaching hours in every school, just like the physical education teacher and the art teacher.
– Restorative justice instead of harsh punishment. Children learn to take responsibility at school, not to hate school.
