“I estimate that there will be no clash between Tsipras and SYRIZA. Our paths at this stage may not be identical, but they can be parallel,” declared SYRIZA press spokesperson Kostas Zachariadis, speaking on Parapolitika 90.1 radio show “Opposite Microphones” with journalists Sotiris Xenakis and Vasilis Skouris, regarding the former prime minister’s resignation from his parliamentary position.
When asked if a new political formation could emerge with Alexis Tsipras at its head, Kostas Zachariadis responded that SYRIZA has spoken about a common ballot, has discussed electoral cooperation, and will be first in any discussion that opens. He also noted that no one can succeed alone – this is the time for fronts and collaborations.
Excerpts from Kostas Zachariadis’ interview on Parapolitika 90.1
When asked about his expectations for SYRIZA’s next opinion polls following Tsipras’ departure:
K.ZACHARIADIS: It’s clear there will be smaller or larger fluctuations in the polls because there’s significant movement in our broader political space. However, the goal for SYRIZA-PS after yesterday’s development is not about plus or minus 1 or 2 points. We’ve been thinking since January, when Famellos said we propose a common ballot with PASOK and New Left for broader unity, to overcome dividing lines. So clearly a major, serious discussion is beginning – we decided these things at our congress and Central Committee – about how this political space can unite, overcome differences, and become a majority current.
K.ZACHARIADIS: Our goal isn’t plus or minus 1 or 2 points. We weren’t satisfied with our performance until yesterday, so during a period of broader polling decline for the progressive space, we’re looking at how to start a process of reversing the current situation. We want to be a positive factor in discussion and solutions, to be on the right side of history.
Asked to analyze the statement “we are not opponents”:
K.ZACHARIADIS: The relationship with A. Tsipras is different both until yesterday and from yesterday onwards.
JOURNALIST: Is New Left your opponent?
K.ZACHARIADIS: No
JOURNALIST: Why aren’t you together then?
K.ZACHARIADIS: That’s something New Left must answer. I consider what’s happening to be wrong – I’ve said this many times with political proposals and initiatives.
K.ZACHARIADIS: The fact we’re not opponents has meaning, and it’s significant that Famellos writes this in his statement, as does Tsipras. I estimate there will be no clash between Tsipras and SYRIZA or Famellos. Our paths at this stage may not be identical, but they can be parallel – certainly not opposing.
Asked to comment on Polakis’ statements:
K.ZACHARIADIS: There have been two splits from SYRIZA. We don’t think we should speak about A. Tsipras in these terms. The phrases S. Famellos used were very specific, and our goal and all our formulations aim at this: splits and fragmentation cause great damage, and we work for unity and reconstruction.
Asked if he believes PASOK’s autonomous path strategy will pay off:
K.ZACHARIADIS: I believe no one can succeed alone – this is a message for our own party too, which we made a congress decision about. This is the time for fronts and collaborations, including with PASOK.
Asked if there could be a new formation with Mr. Tsipras as leader:
K.ZACHARIADIS: SYRIZA has spoken about a common ballot, has spoken about alliance, has spoken about electoral cooperation, and will be first in any discussion that opens.
