SYRIZA to join unified electoral alliance in next elections, Famellos says
Sokratis Famellos said that SYRIZA will participate in the next national elections as part of a broader united progressive alliance, stressing that the role of former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras remains “decisive” for developments within Greece’s center-left political landscape.
In an interview with Greek state broadcaster ERT, Famellos emphasized the need for closer alignment between Tsipras and SYRIZA, arguing that recent political developments have highlighted the urgency of unity initiatives across the progressive camp.
Following Tsipras’ recent public event in Halandri, Famellos said the need for coordinated action had become increasingly clear, describing a “unifying way forward” as urgent.
He characterized Tsipras’ initiative as “important” and noted growing public interest in the political positions the former prime minister is expected to present in the coming period.
“Yes to cooperation, yes to the decisive role of Alexis Tsipras, yes to the creation of new political formations and a broad invitation so that all democratic citizens, groups and alliances can participate,” Famellos said.
He added that SYRIZA’s strategy ahead of the next elections would be based on cooperation with other progressive forces.
“SYRIZA will contest the next elections within a unifying political framework and will be represented through a united progressive alliance,” he said.
Regarding discussions over potential candidacies, Famellos stated that talks on electoral candidates should be postponed until there is a clear public commitment to political unity among the involved parties.
Meanwhile, Stergios Kalpakis resigned from his position as secretary of SYRIZA’s Central Committee, citing what he described as a state of political and organizational paralysis within the party.
In a letter addressed to Famellos, Kalpakis said his resignation was unrelated to the upcoming parliamentary elections and clarified that he would not seek candidacy again.
He argued that recent congress decisions by PASOK and New Left had effectively ruled out the possibility of a progressive electoral alliance or joint ballot.
At the same time, he said reports concerning the potential creation of a new political party by Tsipras had created entirely new dynamics within the broader left-wing political space.
Kalpakis urged the party leadership to convene a Central Committee meeting in early June in order to decide either on concrete steps toward convergence with a possible Tsipras-led party or on beginning electoral preparations independently while keeping channels for future cooperation open.
“The current paralyzing situation cannot continue for much longer,” he wrote.
Former MP Eleni Avlonitou leaves SYRIZA
Separately, former SYRIZA lawmaker Eleni Avlonitou announced her departure from the party, describing the move as a “new beginning.”
In a statement posted on social media, Avlonitou said she was ending her long-standing membership in the party after years of active political involvement.
She stressed that her decision did not signal a withdrawal from political life and reaffirmed her commitment to democracy, social justice and the fight against inequality.
Avlonitou said she would continue participating actively in political and social struggles while remaining engaged in public affairs.
