New reshuffles are expected in the coming weeks in the Greek Parliament, as independent MPs who were elected in the 2023 elections under SYRIZA are now on the verge of joining Alexis Tsipras’ new Hellenic Left Alliance (ELAS). This was, after all, the prerequisite Tsipras himself had set for these MPs before opening the doors of his new political formation wide to them.
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Greek Parliament shakeup: SYRIZA emerges as the big winner from the resignations
The first independent MP to resign from her parliamentary seat was Efi Achtsioglou, who joined ELAS just days ago. She was followed by Giorgos Karameros, who had been elected MP for Eastern Attica, Vasilis Kokkalis, MP for Larissa, and Symeon Kedikolokou, elected in Euboea. Another MP who submitted her resignation was Katerina Notopoulou, who has not yet clarified whether she intends to return to active politics.
Through these resignations by independent MPs, SYRIZA stands to be the clear winner, as it will significantly boost its parliamentary strength. The most optimistic scenarios suggest that once this process is complete, its parliamentary group could number between 16 and 17 MPs. There is also a scenario that indirectly involves PASOK. Last Monday, Heraklion MP Haris Mamoulakis resigned and was succeeded by Socrates Vardakis.
On the morning of Thursday (29/10), independent MP for Aitoloakarnania Miltiadis Zambaras resigned. His seat will be taken by Giorgos Varemenos, who after being sworn in as an MP will then declare independence, having already joined the New Left party. Another MP who submitted his resignation was Dionysis Kalamatianors from Ilia, with Zoe Anastasopoulou expected to replace him, as she appears willing to hold the seat — although initial reports had suggested she had already joined ELAS.
At the same time, Nikos Voutsis is set to replace Nasos Iliopoulos, with sources suggesting that the former Speaker of Parliament could act as a bridge-builder with the New Left. In Magnesia, the first runner-up after Alexandros Meikopoylos — who is set to resign — is Katerina Papanatsious, who appears unlikely to take the seat, meaning Marina Chrysoveloni will instead be called upon to be sworn in as MP. Should independent MP Andreas Panagiotopoylos resign, his seat would be filled by Giorgos Kyriakopoulos. Meanwhile, Kalliopi Vetta does not appear willing to resign, unlike Giannis Sarakiotis, who is set to step down, with his Fthiotida seat going to Vasiliki Lazou.
Several seats still unresolved
At the same time, several questions remain unanswered, as it is still unclear what will happen with the seats held by Kostas Barkas (Preveza), Olga Gerovasili (Arta), Popi Tsapanidou (National List), Alexis Haritsis (Messenia), Giorgos Gavrilos (Argolida), Marina Kontotoli (Trikala), Giorgos Psychogios (Corinth), and Ferhat Ozgur (Rodopi). In Arta, the first runner-up, Vasilis Tsirkas, has already joined ELAS. On the National List, the next candidates in order are Michalis Kalogirou (ELAS), Jenny Leivadarou, Zorzeta Lali, and Athanasios Tsakris (ELAS), followed by the leader of the Democrats – Progressive Centre party, Stefanos Kasselakis.
In Messenia, the first runner-up is Manolis Makaris; in Argolida, it is Paraskevi Skourti; in Trikala, all three runners-up support ELAS; while in Corinth, the first runner-up is Giorgos Dedes. In Rodopi, after Mr. Ozgur comes Dimitrios Haritou, who is reported to have joined ELAS, while in Preveza the next in line is Panagiotis Lelovitis.
