Amber Phillips
Greece’s political landscape is witnessing significant upheaval as tensions within the Syriza party escalate. On Saturday, the Central Committee of Syriza made a decisive move by barring Stefanos Kasselakis, the party’s recently ousted leader, from participating in the upcoming leadership contest. This decision has sparked fears of further splintering within the party, which risks losing its status as the main opposition force in the country.
Internal Turmoil in Syriza
Syriza’s recent internal turmoil has ignited concern among its supporters and political analysts alike. The party’s Central Committee meeting, held on a tense Saturday evening, ended with an overwhelming vote against Kasselakis, showcasing the depth of divisions within the party. Verbal clashes, booing, and withdrawal efforts characterized the gathering, highlighting the rising animosity among party members.
The backdrop of this turmoil stems from a devastating defeat in last year’s general election, where Syriza was positioned against the ruling New Democracy party led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This loss prompted the resignation of former leader Alexis Tsipras, and Kasselakis was elected leader only a few months ago. His ascension, however, has been marred by allegations of misconduct and an increasingly authoritarian leadership style that alienated many party members.
Some critical points from the meeting include:
- Kasselakis was ousted via a motion of no confidence.
- Accusations against him included authoritarian behavior and disconnection from Syriza’s ideological foundation.
- His legal threats against the party over leaked information contributed to his barring from the leadership contest.
Kasselakis will still have an opportunity to confront his critics at an extraordinary congress set for November 8-10, where a final decision on Syriza’s leadership candidates will be made.
The Rise of Pasok
Amid Syriza’s disarray, the socialist Pasok party, led by Nikos Androulakis, is positioning itself to capitalize on the situation. Androulakis recently secured a comfortable win in a runoff election against Harris Doukas, the Mayor of Athens. With around 60 percent of the votes, Androulakis aims to broaden Pasok’s influence as Syriza appears to falter.
The potential shift in political dynamics could see Pasok solidifying its position as the leading opposition party, especially if Syriza loses a significant number of its members. Some party insiders speculate that a coalition between Syriza and Pasok could challenge New Democracy, yet Androulakis is known to be against such a partnership, creating a further rift among leftist factions.
Context of Syriza’s Decline
Since governing Greece between 2015 and 2019, Syriza has faced a series of crises, compounded by a poor performance in the June 2023 EU elections. The ongoing discord has resulted in:
- The departure of dozens of members, who formed the New Left party last November.
- A culture of conflict and mistrust enveloping party discussions.
- Instances of police intervention at party headquarters due to escalating tensions.
The leadership issues have left many wondering if the party can regain its footing. Kasselakis’s continued aggressive stance against his predecessors, particularly Tsipras, has not helped nurture unity.
Upcoming Leadership Contest
The road ahead for Syriza could be fraught with challenges. The upcoming leadership contest is scheduled to begin with the first round on November 24, followed by a runoff on December 1, should it be necessary. The future of Syriza’s leadership will be debated intensely at the upcoming congress, where Kasselakis will seek to rally support from remaining loyalists.
As the political drama unfolds, many observers are keen to see whether Syriza will rebound from its current crisis or if it will further implode, handing Pasok a clearer path to becoming the main opposition party in Greece.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
The implications of these internal conflicts go beyond party politics; they could shape the very foundation of Greece’s center-left landscape. As Syriza grapples with its identity and direction, Pasok stands ready to seize the opportunity. The next few weeks will be crucial for determining the balance of power in Greek politics, offering a defining moment for both Syriza and Pasok as they navigate through this turbulent chapter. As the country watches, the outcome of these leadership contests could signal a transformative shift in Greece’s political arena
