When last Friday Alexis Tsipras spoke about the reconstruction of the political system, he was signaling his intention to proceed with creating a new party, as there is currently no apparent willingness from progressive parties to cooperate in forming a new pole against the Mitsotakis government. “If those who have the responsibility of democratic opposition cannot set aside their self-interests to bring about change, then we must all become the change we hope for,” he stated in yesterday’s video message, essentially justifying the reasons why he expedited his departure from SYRIZA.
When Alexis Tsipras’ book will be released
The timeline Alexis Tsipras will follow is more or less specific, as his book is expected to be released from November 20 onwards, which, according to those in the know, will cause quite a sensation, since it doesn’t only refer to Alexis Tsipras’ political opponents, but also to his close associates, in a presentation of his own perspective on events. The only reason not to proceed with this endeavor would be if the progressive parties (PASOK, SYRIZA and New Left) under pressure from a new Tsipras party find common ground and decide to cooperate in the upcoming elections.
Tsipras begins nationwide tours
For now, however, information suggests that Alexis Tsipras will use the occasion of his book release to conduct several tours in four or five major cities across the country, speaking about the past and the future, thus opening up even more discussion about his next moves. After all, yesterday with his message he let his intentions show, characteristically saying: “I want to address my comrades, all those who have journeyed with us so far and shared struggles, anxieties, hopes and dreams. We will not be opponents. And perhaps soon we will travel together again to more beautiful seas.” He added that “I resign as a SYRIZA MP, I do not resign from political action.”
“Freeze” in SYRIZA: Tsipras’ first resignation from presidency brought “three splits”
Shortly before announcing his resignation – which sources say he had decided on since summer – Alexis Tsipras called Socrates Famellos and announced his decision to leave the party. The SYRIZA president told him he disagreed, but the former prime minister was adamant. Naturally, the news “froze” SYRIZA officials. Both those who expect to find themselves beside him and those who realize they will have no place in the new venture. And this is because everyone finds themselves in a difficult position at this particular moment. Those who view the whole venture positively don’t want to be characterized as apostates, while the rest fear a new split. “His first resignation as SYRIZA president brought three splits,” say Koumoundourou officials who view the whole venture with skepticism. “We hope now he won’t destroy us completely,” said officials who disagree with Tsipras’ moves.
The MPs who could join the Tsipras party
Information indicates that initially Alexis Tsipras will choose to have new and untainted faces beside him to signal something new, not a continuation of SYRIZA. However, he is then expected to say “yes” to those MPs from the Koumoundourou party whom he considers uncorrupted and able to help with the new venture. An official who knows very well the logic the former prime minister operates under said that Alexis Tsipras might proceed within a reasonable timeframe before elections to create an electoral coalition, not automatically a party. From there he will include the political figures he desires on his lists. At this particular moment, his close team includes George Vasiliadis, Dimitris Liakos, George Chouliarakis, Michalis Kalogirou and former minister Ilias Mosialos. Among MPs who could join the new Tsipras party are Olga Gerovasili, Katerina Notopoulou, George Karameros, Symeon Kedikoglou, Kostas Barkas, Charis Maroulakis, George Gavrilos, George Psychogios, Popi Tsapanidou, Miltos Zabaras, George Papailiou, Marina Kontotoli and others. Obviously, there are also party apparatus officials who could align with Tsipras’ new venture. Characteristic cases are SYRIZA press spokesperson Kostas Zachariades and secretary Stergios Kalpakis, who today stand beside Socrates Famellos. Expected to remain outside are Nikos Pappas and Pavlos Polakis, as well as Rena Dourou. Obviously the next day for SYRIZA won’t be the best. Already party officials are worried about how Tsipras’ resignation will be reflected in new polls.
