Former SYRIZA leader Famellos becomes independent MP
Former SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos has become an independent member of Greece’s Parliament, around two weeks after resigning from the leadership of the left-wing opposition party.
Famellos informed Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis of his decision, calling it a difficult step after decades of involvement with the Left, including Synaspismos and SYRIZA.
Growing fragmentation on the Left
Famellos said recent developments within SYRIZA no longer reflect the values of the Left and argued that the party’s course does not meet citizens’ demand for a change in government.
His departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding SYRIZA, which has suffered a series of defections and now holds only 10 seats in the 300-member Parliament, down from 47 seats won in the June 2023 election.
Rena Dourou was recently elected as SYRIZA leader after running unopposed, as Greece’s left-wing political landscape continues to undergo major changes following splits and the launch of new political movements.
