The results of the first opinion polls, which came immediately after the Thessaloniki International Fair, brought the first discussions regarding the possibility of a joint alliance between SYRIZA and the New Left. Sources say that for some time now, discussions have begun between officials from both parties for more substantial cooperation and parliamentary alliance under the same roof. The polls that have come to light, mainly showing the New Left in a particularly difficult position, have intensified scenarios for a joint alliance between the two parties.
SYRIZA ready for alliance with New Left
Commenting on this possibility, SYRIZA officials said that “we are ready, the time for decisions has come for everyone.” They added that regardless of whether this endeavor proves right or wrong, things have reached a deadlock situation where “we must make a decision.” Socrates Famellos, in his press conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair, referring to collaborations, emphasized that progressive dialogue must acquire specific content after the fair and that he proposes to continue joint parliamentary initiatives, establish a dialogue forum, and create common formations in social organizations.
New Left responds evasively with underlying Tsipras party concerns
Alexis Charitsis, for his part, speaking on the same issue, emphasized that collaborations will not come through top-level agreements, but through dialogue on specific programmatic issues to form a response from the left to Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He also meaningfully noted that “there are no deadlocks” but “there are also possibilities,” referring to recent joint parliamentary initiatives with SYRIZA or the joint initiative of 4 parties on the Palestinian issue.
However, several officials from both parties – SYRIZA and New Left – who know they have no chance in a potential Tsipras party, very much want this scenario to proceed. The same people believe that this prospect could work as a deterrent to Alexis Tsipras’s plans. At the same time, at Koumoundourou headquarters, despite the polling findings, SYRIZA officials appear satisfied as they argue their party had a decent representation for the first time in three years.
MPs awkward facing potential Tsipras comeback
They also note that Socrates Famellos spoke respectfully about Alexis Tsipras rather than aggressively as some from SYRIZA had suggested. They consider it particularly important that through his stance and statements, the SYRIZA president defined his party’s position toward the former prime minister’s potential endeavor. However, the truth is that several MPs appear awkward when asked publicly about the Tsipras party. This is because no one wants to create problems for SYRIZA and Socrates Famellos at this particular moment, but neither do they wish to show they are distancing themselves from the former prime minister. Alexis Charitsis, commenting on Tsipras’s views, noted they are “interesting.” However, he repeated his criticism that “the solution comes from the Left. From the Left can emerge such a program. It cannot be a shift to the center. The solution in a murky center, as we have seen internationally, has failed to offer an alternative to the Right.”
