Alexis Tsipras steps in to prevent Greek left collapse – asks for new elections

Following months of silence since his resignation from the leadership of the Greek leftist opposition Syriza party, its former leader and prime minister Alexis Tsipras called for new elections for the party’s leadership as ongoing divisions have escalated.

In a lengthy statement, Tsipras strongly criticised leftist politicians for constantly bickering over several issues, distracting them and the society from the primary goal of facing the ruling conservative New Democracy party (EPP), which has prevailed in Greek politics.

“Our party has been in a prolonged and deep crisis. In less than four months, however, the country is heading for EU elections […] in conditions of regime authoritarianism and undermining of the rule of law”, Tsipras noted.

Also read: Metsola to discuss Greek rule of law case in Athens visit

In late June 2023, Tsipras resigned from Syriza’s (EU Left) leadership following a heavy electoral defeat by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party.

Internal party elections followed, and he was replaced by what many described as a “stranger” in Greek politics, Stefanos Kasselakis.

Kasselakis was born in Greece but migrated to the US at 14. He followed a successful career in the shipping industry and worked for Goldman Sachs.

Meanwhile, he also volunteered on the staff of then-Senator Joe Biden for the 2008 Presidential Election.

After Kasselakis took over the party’s leadership, several key members broke away, setting up the New Left party.

Also read: Big ‘left divorce’ reshuffles political cards in Athens

But since then, although public anger is mounting due to skyrocketing prices of basic goods, leftist parties have failed to pick up electorally.

According to the latest polls about EU elections, New Democracy scores 28.5%, socialist Pasok stands at 11.7%, while Syriza comes third with 10.4%. The New Left scores just 1.9%.

“To lead the party into the upcoming election battle, it must be clear that he [Kasselakis] has, at this critical moment, the confidence of the majority”, Tsipras said, adding that new elections directly from the party members are needed.

Criticism against all

In his statement, Tsipras lashed out out against current leadership and those who left because they lost the party’s leadership.

“They left the party because they lost the battle for its leadership. Regardless of whether with fragmentation, the one who wins is our political opponent”, Tsipras noted.

The former prime minister criticised Kasselakis for a recent statement suggesting that he will remain in the party’s leadership no matter the outcome of the EU elections.

“He [Kasselakis] is reportedly asking for a three-year blank cheque, regardless of the outcome of the European elections. Thus, discounting the electoral failure and ignoring its consequences”, Tsipras said.

Moreover, Tsipras hit at those in the party who “disagree in the background” but are “silently waiting for the election failure to come, so that they can blame it on him [Kasselakis] not caring about what this will mean for the party and the country”.

Tsipras’ comeback?

Kasselakis, who has been accused by many of being politically inexperienced and far from leftist values, seems open for new elections.

“Find me an opponent and let’s go”, he said Thursday evening.

Documento Journal reported that new elections are expected in the first half of March.

It’s not sure yet who is going to run against Kasselakis.

Many interpreted Tsipras’ sudden intervention as an obvious comeback in Greek politics, while rumours suggest that he may have wider plans.

Tsipras has always supported the idea of leftists and socialists joining forces in a progressive front to face the centre-right in a model similar to the ones in Spain.

However, in the past, his idea faced fierce opposition from the “traditional” leftists who, in the background, even undermined this push.

Also read: ‘Tsipras miracle’ happened once: Greek left on the brink of collapse

(Sarantis Michalopoulos | Euractiv.com)