The moves by Alexis Tsipras are causing strong tensions within SYRIZA, as party officials have yet to determine how they will handle the developments, while those who don’t see their political future with the former prime minister are seeking their next move to remain in the political game.
Read more: Alexis Tsipras faces critical dilemma: After Easter or September for new party formation – Tactical shift with SYRIZA members on front lines
SYRIZA: Tensions from Tsipras moves, Polakis reactions, political camps and discussions with PASOK – New Left
From Ioannina, Alexis Tsipras sent two messages about how he intends to proceed programmatically, while also referring to his timeline, making it clear in his own way that he won’t be swayed by Maria Karystianou’s high polling numbers. “Our effort for the reconstruction and re-establishment of a governing left-progressive coalition is not an easy matter. It requires planning, it requires mobilization, it requires time,” Alexis Tsipras stated characteristically.
Given that his close associates believe Maria Karystianou is losing left-wing voters after the views she has expressed on a series of issues, Alexis Tsipras appeared to distance his position from the former president of the Tempe Victims’ Relatives Association’s post regarding her comments about “illegal invaders” referring to the Chios tragedy. At the same time, however, SYRIZA MPs who have decided to align with the former prime minister are waiting to see his next moves, as most don’t want to become independent unless they have received the “green light.”
On the other hand, the group of MPs and officials who don’t align with Alexis Tsipras, such as Pavlos Polakis, question Tsipras’ initiatives. The Chania MP, speaking on OPEN, once again kept his distance from the former prime minister. “SYRIZA, which supports cooperation between progressive and democratic forces, must have a distinct role in the next elections… The leader, therefore, is one who is capable and accepted by everyone… Have you seen anyone who is capable and accepted by everyone so far? There will be one. But it hasn’t been revealed yet.”
Kostas Zachariadis, speaking on Monday on Parapolitika 90.1, stated that “it’s not about adding up the forces of the past, but the critical element is to form a pole competitive against Mr. Mitsotakis.” He also added that “2025 was the year of dialogue and 2026 must be the year of action. I think society is ahead of us on a series of issues and is waiting and pressuring us. There has been multiple trauma in the space and the wounds are open. Therefore, steps must be taken with caution and with a visible future horizon.”
Meanwhile, contacts continue between SYRIZA, PASOK and New Left. On Saturday in Mytilene, the ENA, INERPOST and “Nikos Poulantzas” Institutes will organize a conference on insularity where Sokratis Famellos, Alexis Charitsis, Petros Kokkalis, and Charis Doukas will participate.
