The question of Sokratis Famellos remaining in SYRIZA’s leadership was raised by Nikos Pappas, ahead of the party’s Central Committee meeting expected this Saturday (06/06). Speaking on Parapolitika 90.1 and the “Apénanti mikrófona” show with journalists Vasilis Skouris and Sotiris Xenakis, SYRIZA’s parliamentary spokesperson emphasized that Saturday’s Central Committee meeting is particularly critical, as “we expect Sokratis Famellos to tell us that SYRIZA will take the lead, have a central role and build a strong progressive cooperation.”
Moreover, Mr. Pappas characteristically stated that if the party leadership supports Alexis Tsipras, proposes suspension of the party or not running in elections, “it will mean resignation of all of us from the core of our responsibilities.” Nikos Pappas emphasized that he cannot conceive of any proposal for “suspension” of the party, noting that SYRIZA “is wronged by its public presence.”
Referring to recent polls, in which SYRIZA appears to be recording a significant drop, Mr. Pappas spoke of “historic lows,” meaningfully emphasizing that “there is no luxury to pretend we don’t see what is happening.” “We have reached unthinkable polling numbers,” Mr. Pappas said among other things, reminding that a year and a half ago SYRIZA appeared at 10% in polls.
Mr. Pappas appeared in favor of the view that there should be “major changes” in SYRIZA, emphasizing that he awaits the position that Sokratis Famellos will take regarding these changes. Indeed, regarding these changes, Mr. Pappas spoke of convening an extraordinary party congress, as “the Central Committee carries the mandate of the previous council.”
Additionally, Mr. Pappas emphasized the need for a coordinated course for SYRIZA, expressing his opposition to the possibility of Sokratis Famellos supporting Alexis Tsipras’s Greek Left Alliance. “This would be equivalent to resignation of all of us from our parliamentary positions, such a proposal for non-autonomous participation of SYRIZA in the next elections is equivalent to everyone’s resignation,” he said. “If we say we won’t do anything in a coordinated manner, we automatically resign from the core of our responsibilities,” Mr. Pappas added, characterizing as “unthinkable” the scenarios that speak of an uncoordinated course for the party.
When asked what stance he would take if SYRIZA ultimately decides to join forces with Alexis Tsipras’s ELAS, Mr. Pappas emphasized that “there is no thought that SYRIZA won’t go as leadership,” referring to the party’s future course. “We won’t be leadership without a coordinated party,” Nikos Pappas said among other things.
