Syriza Faces Historic Split as Key Figures Exit Amid Chaotic Congress

A significant rift has shaken Greece’s Syriza party, marking its third major split in recent years.

The turmoil peaked Thursday when prominent member Stefanos Kasselakis announced his resignation

from Syriza, joined by three MPs: Mr. Alexandros Avlonitis, Mr. Petros Pappas, and Ms. Rallia Christidou.

This exodus threatens Syriza’s status as Greece’s main opposition party, which could be lost if one more MP departs.

Today, Mr. Kasselakis is expected to make a landmark announcement at 1:00 PM from his offices in Tavros, where he has invited supporters to join him.

There, he is likely to declare the formation of a new political party. Leaving Thursday’s congress, Mr. Kasselakis urged his followers to move forward with him.

“The only thing better than anger is enthusiasm, the joy of a new and beautiful fight. Last year, my predecessor said Syriza had completed its historical cycle; today, Syriza has closed its democratic cycle.”

The events unfolded amid chaotic scenes at Syriza's emergency congress held at the Gazi Live venue.

Mr. Kasselakis’s supporters—known as the “Kasselistas”—gathered early in solidarity. After arriving around 6:30 PM, Mr. Kasselakis left shortly after, citing procedural issues and calling for the inclusion of all elected delegates.

This sparked further tensions, with crowds attempting to push through doors, resulting in confrontations, a fainting incident, and heated exchanges.

The congress finally began at 9:00 PM, three hours late. Mr. Giannis Mantzouranis, chair of the congress, apologized for the delay, attributing it to disruptions by Mr. Kasselakis’s supporters.

Speaking amid applause and jeers, he defended the congress’s integrity, emphasizing adherence to democratic procedures.

Mr. Mantzouranis said the congress's primary goal was to approve the four presidential candidates and reach a political resolution. However, Kasselakis supporters protested, accusing the organizers of anti-democratic tactics.

The tension continued as Ms. Rania Svigkou, congress secretary, urged for unity, asserting that “Syriza is not disintegrating or dissolving.”

Her remarks were met with heckling. Mr. Nikos Pappas, Syriza’s parliamentary group leader, condemned what he called organized thuggery, placing blame for the discord on Mr. Kasselakis.

With today’s gathering poised to unveil Mr. Kasselakis’s new political vision, Syriza stands at a critical juncture, facing another profound shift in its political landscape.

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