Syriza divided: Kasselakis removal sparks intense tensions

08:20 13/9/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Syriza has been engulfed in a dramatic leadership crisis, marked by intense internal tensions, heated rhetoric, and ultimately a vote reaffirming the removal of Stefanos Kasselakis from the party presidency.

The turmoil began with rumours that Mr. Kasselakis' faction would challenge his ouster following a successful no-confidence motion by the Central Committee. Amidst growing uncertainty, Mr. Kasselakis' associate, Manolis Kapnisakis, sought clarification from party

secretary Rania Svigou regarding the party's leadership during this transitional period.

According to sources close to Mr. Kasselakis, Mr. Kapnisakis inquired about who held the legal and administrative responsibility for the party. Ms.Svigou referred him to party director Christos Mavrokefalidis, who confirmed his authority. However, Kasselakis questioned this decision, leading Ms. Svigou to convene an emergency meeting of the Political Secretariat.

Party sources countered that Mr. Mavrokefalidis had already been authorised by the Political Secretariat to handle party matters during this transitional phase. Mr. Kasselakis' alleged threats to reclaim the keys to party headquarters were strongly denied by his team. Members of the "Group of 100" and Syriza MP Pavlos Polakis likened Mr. Kasselakis' actions to the failed Capitol riots in the U.S. following Trump's defeat in 2021. The "87" faction echoed this sentiment, referring to Mr. Kasselakis as a "Balkan Trump."

Late last night, the "Group of 100" again refuted rumours from Mr. Kasselakis' camp, insisting that he had questioned not only his administrative role but also his continued presidency. Mr. Mavrokefalidis reiterated his administrative and legal responsibilities, while sources close to Mr. Kasselakis claimed he demanded access to his office at party headquarters.

Having returned to Athens, Mr. Kasselakis broke his silence for the first time since his removal. He called for calm among his supporters and condemned the "unbelievable provocations," affirming his continued involvement in party matters. A group of Kasselakis supporters gathered outside Syriza's headquarters, heckling members of the Political Secretariat from the "87" faction as they arrived for the meeting.

Prominent party figures like Olga Gerovasili and Thanasis Theocharopoulos faced verbal abuse from the crowd. Inside, the Political Secretariat met under a tense atmosphere and reaffirmed the Central Committee's decision to remove Mr. Kasselakis, voting 17-1 in favor. The sole dissenting vote came from Theodora Tzakri, while Olympia Teligioridou abstained, citing her refusal to participate in a divisive process.

Documents presented during the meeting refuted Mr. Kasselakis' claims of remaining legally responsible for the party, confirming Mr. Mavrokefalidis' authority as general director. The Syriza leadership crisis continues to escalate, with the party deeply divided and tensions at an all-time high.

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