The first parliamentary resignation from SYRIZA P.S. has been recorded with the decision of Giorgos Karameros, MP for Eastern Attica, approximately 40 days after the founding of ELAS (Greek Solution) by Alexis Tsipras. On the morning of Saturday, July 4th, Karameros personally informed party president Socrates Famellos by phone and in writing, clarifying that this was not a move toward independent status but a full withdrawal — both from his parliamentary seat and from any party role.
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Giorgos Karameros: “My support for Tsipras has been unwavering from the very first moment”
In his statement, Giorgos Karameros — whose political roots lie in centrist and Green politics — struck a measured tone regarding the reasons behind his decision. He wrote that he had found himself “unexpectedly on the front line” and that he would continue to stand there “as an active citizen, a simple soldier” of the progressive camp. By consciously choosing outright resignation over simply going independent — a move that would have placed him among the already 40 independent MPs in the current parliament — he made a pointed statement about political integrity. He emphasized that “power is not a possession, but a trust,” and cited as his “only privilege” the continued support of the citizens who elected him.
In the final part of his statement, referring explicitly to ELAS and Alexis Tsipras, he declared that his support “remains — and is in fact stronger than ever,” while also expressing his deep respect for the institution of parliament.
Giorgos Karameros’s full resignation statement
President,
I am informing you first, and the parliamentary group, of my decision to resign from the parliamentary seat of Eastern Attica and from every party role.
Coming from local government and Green politics, I collaborated, joined, and was elected as a new MP in 2023. I found myself unexpectedly on the front line — steadfast, despite everything that has happened.
I will remain on that front line going forward, but as an active citizen, a simple “soldier” in the necessary and winning progressive alliance of social democracy, the left, and Green politics — the movement that speaks to me as an expression and representation of my values.
My decision was made in full alignment with the people I stand beside in Eastern Attica and with my family. Their support is the only privilege I enjoy. That is what I carry with me — nothing else.
In my value system, words are meaningless without the actions that confirm them. Consistency, credibility, and dignity are non-negotiable principles. From the very beginning, I argued that Alexis Tsipras’s initiative, and subsequently the formation of ELAS, create a genuine prospect for Greece. That support remains — and is in fact stronger than ever as a political conviction. What I said, I do. I respect parliament and how it functions. It is the heart of our democratic system.
What Greece’s democracy needs is not only political change, but a change in the way politics is done. I have chosen, as the very least example I can set, to return my seat to the party — because whatever power one holds is not a possession, but a trust. I am not walking away. I will continue to fight for that trust, with respect for all — young and seasoned comrades alike.
By the end of the coming week, I will formally notify the Speaker of Parliament of my decision, once I have first resolved certain necessary procedural matters with my staff.
I warmly thank the thousands of fellow citizens who placed their trust in me. Together we have been rowing in the same direction all along, and I will continue to listen to them and to support one another.
They know — each and every one of them — that we leave no corner of our community without a fight, whether small or large: for the climate crisis and the environment, the cost of living, healthcare, education, culture, infrastructure, and transport.
I am present — through actions, and from the very beginning.
With honor,
Journalist
Giorgos Karameros
