"No" from the New Left to reunification with SYRIZA
The Central Committee of the New Left party has decided not to move forward with reunification with SYRIZA at this stage, opting instead for an independent path and occasional collaborations. Despite this decision, the party finds itself divided into two factions, reflecting tension within its ranks. This comes at a time when recent polling data shows the party at low support levels.
The President of the New Left, Alexis Charitsis, had proposed a "roadmap" towards collaboration with SYRIZA, but the party's Secretary, Gabriel Sakellaridis, put forward a different framework. Both Sakellaridis and Euclid Tsakalotos criticized the idea of forming a "Popular Front," similar to France, with only the New Left and SYRIZA, calling it a "caricature."
The divergence between the two viewpoints led to a series of conciliatory steps, including interventions by Nasos Iliopoulos, to prevent the party from splitting. The final political decision document adopted by the Central Committee maintains the party's unity, rejecting any exclusive alignment with SYRIZA.
The New Left's statement further clarifies that a broad programmatic conference will be held in late June, launching a campaign titled "The Left That Listens." It includes initiatives for dialogue both inside and outside parliament, with an open invitation to all left-wing and progressive opposition parties, personalities, movements, and organizations. The party reaffirms its goal of forming a "Popular Front" as a key strategy to confront the MItsotakis regime, emphasizing a need for gradual, inclusive steps and not rushed, exclusive alliances.
This marks a significant moment for the New Left, which continues to push for a radical and transformative government, while keeping its options open for future collaborations based on shared goals and values.
