A clandestine dinner hosted by the group “23” regarding the center-left’s future was held at the residence of former Minister Louka Katseli. The meeting centered on addressing the fragmented progressive camp, the potential for creating a “unified ballot,” and the significance of September as a kickoff for establishing an “alternative progressive proposal” in opposition to Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s government.
Reports indicate that the gathering took place on Thursday, May 8, amid ongoing discussions behind the scenes between SYRIZA and New Left concerning a joint proposal for the establishment of a Preliminary Investigative Committee against Kóstas Ach. Karamanlis in relation to the Tempi train disaster.
An “Umbrella” Formation
Key attendees included Dionysis Temponeras, Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, Effie Achtsioglou, Petros Kokkalis, Giannis Mantzouranis, as well as members of the “Papandreou” PASOK faction and former PASOK MPs aligned with SYRIZA, such as Christos Kokkinovasilis and Dimitris Piperghias, along with other notable figures like Giannis Drosos and Dimitris Lyritsis.
During the meeting, participants assessed the current political landscape and examined opportunities for collaboration among various parties to create a new political entity under specific conditions.
The Approach
Participants currently advocate for preserving the existing parties rather than allowing them to fade away, despite acknowledging their declining support. They propose instead the idea of consolidating into a unified ballot, contingent upon an agreement on a common agenda.
Katseli: Unified Ballot in September
Notably, Louka Katseli has shared her views on the prospect of a “unified ballot” in an interview with Naftemporiki TV, indicating September as a crucial month for broader negotiations within the progressive spectrum.
At the end of September, during a collaborative event involving four progressive institutes, including INERPOST where she is a board member, Katseli discussed necessary advancements within the center-left. She emphasized the need for a “complete rebranding” and stated that “the political system must progress without Alexis (Tsipras),” as he does not play a leading role in the current political landscape.
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