Alexis Tsipras, for the first time since his resignation as a SYRIZA MP, is opening up in an interview with Efimerida ton Syntakton. The interview was deemed necessary by his associates after interpretations given by some media regarding his intentions for the future. According to information, in his interview the former prime minister refers to his resignation and his book, the government and political system, SYRIZA and the broader progressive space, and reveals his plans for the future.
It should be noted that a few days ago his associates, speaking about his resignation, mentioned that there was no behind-the-scenes agreement with anyone, he did not call on anyone to make any move, that he was clear in his statement and left no room for misinterpretation. The same people had also pointed out that he will go to speak and listen to citizens, adding that Alexis Tsipras’ basic choice throughout his political career was renewal: giving opportunities to new faces, with dynamic positions that can inject society with the new, trying to create something new, disruptive. A brief review of the people who emerged during his long political career, both at party and governmental level, proves this. And it’s something that doesn’t change. Adding that his moves in the near future are also expected to be “out of the ordinary framework.”
Socrates Famellos seeks balance after Alexis Tsipras’ departure
Today, meanwhile, the cycle of contacts that Socrates Famellos has with his party’s MPs is being completed, in order to gauge their thoughts and aspirations for Tsipras’ party. The SYRIZA president in these meetings refers to the difficult situation the party finds itself in today and insists that officials who appear publicly should be careful with their statements and point out that the question about creating a party by Alexis Tsipras is hypothetical.
After completing this process, the Political Secretariat is expected to be convened next week, where things will not be so easy, as several party officials disagree with the mild line followed by Socrates Famellos, saying “we are not opponents.”
Pavlos Polakis has requested the convening of the body immediately after the former prime minister’s resignation from SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, while other officials also appear to align with this view.
The SYRIZA president from Pyrgos, where he was in the last twenty-four hours, expressed his concern about Alexis Tsipras’ decision to be outside the parliamentary group. “It’s a difficult development, critical, it particularly concerns us. We have a different reading of how we will handle a choice. I discussed it with Alexis shortly before this announcement… I tell you that if Mitsotakis calls elections tomorrow. What will happen if he calls elections tomorrow? No one is expendable, not any of you, much less Alexis, from this proposal of collaborations.”
Meanwhile, positive reactions continue for Tsipras’ move, with independent MP Athina Linou stating that “Mr. Tsipras is political capital for the country, who has something to offer.” SYRIZA’s Political Planning officer, Giannis Ragousis, asked to highlight the moral symbolism of Alexis Tsipras’ stance in handing over his seat, adding that political circumstances are now changing and SYRIZA “should not rush to predetermine his possible next decisions.” Simeon Kedikoglou insisted that something hopeful is now being discussed.
