Former Defense Minister Apostolakis leaves SYRIZA, party’s seats shrink to 27

Former Defense Minister under SYRIZA government Evangelos Apostolakis announced on Thursday he is leaving the party and declared his decision to remain an independent MP.

Apostolakis, who was elected in June 2023 on the party’s nationwide list, became the latest lawmaker to defect from embattled SYRIZA, following Yiannis Sarakiotis earlier in the day.

The leftist party is now left with 27 seats in Parliament from 47 after the June 2023 election, which had positioned it as the country’s main opposition behind ruling New Democracy. It is now in third place, lagging Socialists PASOK.

In a statement, Apostolakis explained the reasons behind his departure, citing disillusionment with the party’s internal practices: “Recent events have shattered my expectations. Democratic processes were subordinated to tactics reminiscent of a past we wish to forget.” He emphasized his commitment to serving citizens and upholding democratic principles, asserting that the institution of nationwide MPs exists to represent society as a whole, beyond partisan interests.

“As someone who has served the country with responsibility and honor, I cannot remain in a party that operates this way,” he added.

His resignation adds to a growing wave of exits from SYRIZA and shrinks the party’s parliamentary group to 27 MPs. 

“Apostolakis’ predestined decision is completed today with his shameful defection,” SYRIZA said. “He thought neither of the party that honored him by placing him on the nationwide ballot, nor of the voters of SYRIZA.”

Apostolakis spoke with the former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras over the phone in the previous days, with the latter telling him that if he leaves the party, he should leave also leave his seat in parliament, particularly sine he was appointed in the honorary position of the nationwide list.

“He obviously listened to others’ advice,” an official close to Tsipras said.

Kathimerini