The 5th Congress of SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance is set to begin today at the Peristeri Municipal Basketball Gymnasium, running for four days. However, there is a palpable atmosphere of self-dissolution within the radical Left party.
As the congress coincides with the 2nd Conference on Democracy and Social Justice organized by the Tsipras Institute, discussions about the progressive movement have shifted towards the “political initiative” launched by the former Prime Minister. Influential SYRIZA figures like Panos Rigas are reminiscing about the “first time Left.” Although Alexis Tsipras has refrained from detailing his next steps, the possibility of a new political formation is a recurring topic among party officials, whether in media appearances or events.
Without a Progressive Alliance
The congress opens amidst a wave of resignations from senior members with considerable social impact. Following Zoe Karkoulia, a key player with ties to PASOK, resignations also came from Georgia Soultati, Tania Karagianni, Kostas Maniatis, and Nikos Mademlis this morning.
These individuals, who were pivotal to the Progressive Alliance formed in 2019 and have strong PASOK roots, expressed in their resignation letter, “We now realize that the call to progressive forces after the 2019 electoral defeat was merely a temporary construct, lacking any mature and sincere long-term political vision.” They assert, “We are not abandoning our ideals or the collective struggle; rather, we are establishing new foundations to uphold them.”
The Domino Effect of Resignations
As the congress approaches, the wave of resignations continues. More departures are anticipated during the event, with many within the party hinting at a “great exodus” afterward. Reports suggest that even members of the “Group of 87” and the party spokesperson, Giorgos Karameros, might resign. Additionally, several members are expected to abstain from voting. A pressing concern for Koumoundourou is the attendance of delegates, given that only about 7,000 members voted in the recent elections.
This 5th Congress thus serves as a platform to assess the clout of the “presidential” faction led by Sokratis Famellos against the group of Pavlos Polakis and Nikos Pappas, who recently proposed an independent political platform signed by 55 individuals, demonstrating strength post the Parliamentary Preliminary Committee controversy.
Polakis’ Leadership Approach
Insiders anticipate a pronounced leadership display from Pavlos Polakis, who openly criticized Alexis Tsipras yesterday. Polakis contended that an immediate program is necessary to challenge Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“The people are eager for Mitsotakis to leave NOW or, at the very least, by the next election. I share that sentiment! We must swiftly present an OBVIOUS leftist progressive alternative—not just within a five-year timeframe…” Polakis stated. He concluded with a photo featuring “someone who liberated the HOMELAND!!”—suggesting Aris Velouchiotis—and added it was from his ministerial days, emphasizing the tough battles against corruption in the health sector.
His remarks following the Tsipras Institute’s conference are seen as an effort to steer the Congress narrative in his direction, garnering national support. The ongoing struggle between the “Famellists” (aligned with the current president) and the “Polakists” (supporters of Polakis and Pappas) is viewed as crucial to SYRIZA’s future, even amidst prevailing uncertainty.
With a strong sense of finality among members, many doubt SYRIZA’s unity and prospects post-Congress—especially with the notion of a “new entity” looming. Despite Alexis Tsipras being present at today’s opening ceremony, he is expected to depart after the current president’s address, deliberately distancing himself from what could be a transformative cycle for the party, if not its potential decline.
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