The message that “if the Greek people do not wish me to represent them in the next parliament, it will be the end of my political journey” was sent on Wednesday morning (01/07) by the leader of the “Democrats – Progressive Centre” party, Stefanos Kasselakis. In an interview on Parapolitika 90.1 and the show “On Air” with journalist Niki Lyberaki, Mr. Kasselakis spoke of a “fluid political landscape” and addressed the dilemma surrounding the upcoming elections.
When asked whether he and his associates are preparing for elections in autumn 2026 or spring 2027, Mr. Kasselakis made clear that “a party and every political leader must not operate at a pace of delay and standby readiness. They must be clear and prepared at all times about what they are proposing.” He went on to say that “Democrats – Progressive Centre” is preparing for elections in spring 2027, but could be ready sooner if scenarios pointing to early elections are confirmed. “It is not easy to build a new party based on participatory democracy,” he continued. “I’ve done my groundwork,” Mr. Kasselakis stated, stopping short of clearly answering whether this constituted a criticism of his time in SYRIZA.
What Stefanos Kasselakis said on Parapolitika 90.1
When asked whether his party is considered personality-driven, Mr. Kasselakis pointedly replied that “Mitsotakis’s party is also Mitsotakis’s party, given that it was wiretapping its own ministers,” shifting the conversation to the wiretapping scandal. “Tal Dilian himself has said it — we know very well how the money for the illegal surveillance software was paid from agency funds in the name of the Greek people,” he added. Mr. Kasselakis also described as “despicable and reprehensible” the reports of attempts to secure more favorable criminal treatment for Tal Dilian, adding that “this government is anything but liberal.”
When asked about the ideological positioning of “Democrats – Progressive Centre,” Mr. Kasselakis said that “ideological fixations are outdated,” adding that he opposes entrenched union bosses and party factions that control electoral lists. “We want a party with low taxation and an end to handouts,” he said. “People don’t want the state doing business — a free economy doesn’t work that way,” he added.
Look at the substance of politics, not the labels
“We want a modern, humanist centre. Look at the substance of politics, not the labels. Anyone who thinks what happened in the party where I was democratically elected represents what the Left stands for is cheapening the Left,” he added.
Speaking about the benchmark he sets for the next election, Mr. Kasselakis was clear that “every party has a benchmark for entering parliament.” He said he wants pluralism with multiple parties so that “people and parties can be tested,” adding that it is important to have renewal from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Mr. Kasselakis also emphasized that his party has a “humanitarian liberal agenda.”
When asked about the future of his party if it fails to enter parliament, Mr. Kasselakis said: “I am not a career politician. I have an independent identity outside of parliament.” He stated that he will fight for the ideas his party stands for and for change in the country, but made clear that “if the people do not wish me to represent them in the next parliament, it will be the end of my political journey. I am not interested in trading favors and playing the games others have been playing here for decades — I am the only one who has put his own money on the line,” he said.
