The motion of censure, filed by the “Group of 87,” was passed after 286 members of the Central Committee voted, with 163 in favour and 120 against. Kasselakis reacted angrily, denouncing the secret ballot as undemocratic, and labelled the process “hooded.” As a result, the Central Committee appointed Nikos Pappas to represent SYRIZA at TIF.

Leadership candidates emerge

Amid this turbulence, several potential leadership candidates have stepped forward. Pavlos Polakis has declared his intention to run for the party’s presidency, with Apostolos Gletsos also announcing his candidacy on social media. Gletsos expressed strong support for Alexis Tsipras and a desire to build on his legacy. SYRIZA MEP Nikolas Farandouris is also considering a leadership bid. Meanwhile, former parliamentary leader Sokratis Famellos and his successor Nikos Pappas have not yet confirmed their candidacy, and Kasselakis himself has not made any statement on whether he will run again.

Svigou: SYRIZA must address internal fractures

Rania Svigou, the Secretary of SYRIZA’s Central Committee, acknowledged the deep divisions within the party, admitting they had “repeatedly disappointed” their leftist and progressive supporters. Speaking to To Kokkino 105.5 radio station, she emphasised the importance of democracy and collegiality moving forward. Svigou reiterated that all decisions were in line with SYRIZA’s statutes and stressed that the party’s future would be determined by overcoming its current crisis.

She outlined the next steps, including the immediate convening of the Political Secretariat to prepare a proposal for the Central Committee, which will meet in two weeks to plan the Extraordinary Congress. She called for a “tight but thorough” process to ensure that discussions about SYRIZA’s direction remain in-depth but efficient.

Party unity and direction

MP Olga Gerovasili described the Central Committee’s decision as a clear signal for a change of direction, away from internal divisions and towards greater unity. Gerovasili sees this as a critical step towards restructuring the party and refocusing its agenda.

Resignations continue

As the dust settles from the weekend’s upheaval, several of Kasselakis’ close associates have stepped down. Dimitris Vettas, the deputy press representative, and Voula Kehagia, press representative, both announced their resignations. Kehagia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Kasselakis but did not elaborate on her reasons for stepping down. Similarly, Babis Papadakis, head of the press office, and Eugenia Kountouri, its director, also resigned following Kasselakis’ removal.