Internal disputes resurface in SYRIZA’s political secretariat
Seven of the 21 members of SYRIZA’s political secretariat expressed their disagreement with party leader Stefanos Kasselakis during Thursday’s meeting. Kasselakis spoke of a positive outcome in the European elections and outlined a blueprint for the party’s future.
Official sources from the party’s headquarters described the session as “calm and constructive,” despite objections to aspects of Kasselakis’ statement.
The statement, read out by party secretary Rania Svigkou, described the European election results as consolidating Kasselakis’ leadership and mentioned potential cooperation with center-left parties, while rejecting the idea of a full coalition.
Reports indicate that Olga Gerovasili, Kostas Zachariadis, Thanasis Theocharopoulos, Zoe Karkoulia, Katerina Notopoulou, Yiannis Ragousis, and Eleni Symeonidou rejected the statement. These members belong to the “87” faction, which recently criticized Kasselakis for divisive tactics and targeted dismissals.
Disagreements reportedly centered on Kasselakis’ positive assessment of the European election results and his vision for the party’s future. Additionally, secretariat members opposed Kasselakis’ announcement of the closure of the party’s daily newspaper, Avgi, last week. Other points of contention included Kasselakis’ recent social media posts on the party’s finances and ongoing tensions with former leader Alexis Tsipras.
Two members of the secretariat were absent: Alekos Flambouraris, due to health issues, and Dionysis Temponeras, who resigned.
Another meeting of the political secretariat is scheduled for next week.
