Alxis Charitsis resigns as leader of New Left Party amid strategic rift

Alexis Charitsis stepped down as leader of New Left (Nea Aristera) on Tuesday, citing deep strategic disagreements within the party over its political direction and outreach.

In a public statement, Charitsis pointed to a widening divide over whether the party should pursue broader alliances or adopt a more inward-looking approach. He warned that while global developments are accelerating, “the Left appears to be staying in place and limited to introversion.”

Charitsis said two competing strategies have emerged within the party: one favoring ideological self-sufficiency and political withdrawal, and another advocating openness, cooperation, and the formation of a wider front against the political Right.

“The latter is the policy I am fighting for and will continue to do so,” he said, stressing that such an approach, while challenging, is necessary.

He added that although this direction is supported by a significant portion of society and many party members, the majority of the party’s Political Bureau and Central Committee had opted for a different course.

“I do not see my comrades with differing opinions as opponents,” Charitsis said, “but there is a real political disagreement with depth that cannot keep us bound to inertia.”

The party confirmed his resignation as both leader and head of its parliamentary group, thanking him for his contribution since its founding and praising his legacy during a “difficult and demanding” period.

Gavriil Sakellaridis, secretary of the party’s Central Committee, will serve as acting leader until a successor is elected.

The Political Bureau announced that an emergency congress will be convened to choose a new leader. In its statement, the party reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its political presence and called for unity in efforts to rebuild the Left and oppose the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.