Overwhelming “yes” to cooperation with Tsipras by SYRIZA’s political secretariat
The Political Secretariat of SYRIZA approved by a large majority the proposal of Socrates Famellos during Thursday’s (October 23) meeting to move forward with political cooperation with Alexis Tsipras. The proposal passed with 26 votes in favor and 3 against, with dissenting votes coming from Pavlos Polakis, Tryfon Alexiadis, and Giorgos Panagiotopoulos.
The meeting, held at SYRIZA’s headquarters in Koumoundourou, was described as heated, particularly due to a confrontation between Famellos and former minister Pavlos Polakis. Expressing his displeasure, Polakis walked out of the session, signaling his clear disagreement with the majority’s stance.
Famellos’ Position
In his address, Socrates Famellos emphasized that SYRIZA’s relationship with Alexis Tsipras “cannot be confrontational,” arguing that the various progressive forces must converge toward a common goal of forming a strong progressive front. He also noted that Tsipras’s resignation from Parliament is a significant development that reshapes the political landscape and raises new questions about the party’s strategy and future direction.
Political Secretariat Statement: “Greece at a Critical Crossroads After Seven Years of ND Rule”
In its official statement, the Political Secretariat stressed that Greece stands at a critical crossroads after seven years of New Democracy governance. The party accused the government of pursuing divisive and authoritarian policies—such as the controversial amendment concerning the Monument of the Unknown Soldier—and of enacting anti-labor measures that harm workers, social protection, and agricultural production.
Special reference was made to the government’s mishandling of the livestock pox crisis, with SYRIZA calling for immediate implementation of its proposals to compensate affected farmers and restore their livelihoods. The party also condemned the high cost of living and insufficient support for the social majority, urging for measures to curb profiteering, break up cartels, and reduce prices on essential goods.
On Foreign Policy
The statement also called for Greece to abandon its strategy of total dependence on the United States and instead pursue an active, multidimensional foreign policy. It emphasized the need for fair solutions and stability in the Middle East and Cyprus, in line with evolving regional dynamics.
Famellos concluded that strengthening SYRIZA through a renewed and inclusive approach is essential to building a progressive government with broad popular legitimacy.
Pavlos Polakis’ Response
Meanwhile, Pavlos Polakis publicly criticized former Prime Minister Tsipras in a social media post, arguing that “Tsipras’s resignation objectively divides and weakens SYRIZA–PS.” He urged party members to clarify their positions, writing:
“I do not consider Alexis Tsipras’s resignation a positive development for SYRIZA–PS, which has already endured two recent splits and was beginning to stabilize after the last presidential election and our recent congress—where we articulated a clear program of leftist, progressive reforms and called on all democratic forces to align with it.”
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