Pappas estimated that the 12 or 13 MPs who have left SYRIZA appear to be gravitating towards Alexis Tsipras’s new political project. He described the fragmentation of the Left as heartbreaking, acknowledging that all sides bear some responsibility for the current situation, although he rejected suggestions that he himself had caused the split.
Commenting on the possibility of independent MPs joining Tsipras’s new party, he criticised their reluctance to give up their parliamentary seats, attributing it to a ‘love of their seats’. He argued that accepting these MPs into the new party would raise questions of political ethics.
Pappas also stressed that the departures were weakening SYRIZA’s parliamentary presence and making it harder to advance key policy proposals, including the reinstatement of the 13th pension payment and a reduction in VAT on infant formula.
Prospects for cooperation with Kotzias, PASOK and New Left
Turning to possible alliances within the progressive political camp, Pappas expressed support for opening a dialogue with Nikos Kotzias, who has already sent a letter proposing that talks begin.
Regarding PASOK and New Left, he emphasised the need for agreement on policy priorities, acknowledging that PASOK currently shows no apparent willingness to cooperate. Nevertheless, he left open the possibility of future developments, saying ‘never say never in politics’.
Pappas recalled that he had previously proposed a joint electoral list with PASOK, an initiative initially rejected by Nikos Androulakis and subsequently by Alexis Tsipras. He described the current political landscape as one in which a single governing party faces two parties competing for second place.
He also described comments made by Thanasis Karteros about Nikos Androulakis as unacceptable, while clarifying that he had no reason to suggest that the article in question had been written at Alexis Tsipras’s request.
The 13th pension and SYRIZA’s political direction
Pappas expressed surprise that Alexis Tsipras had failed to mention the 13th pension in his recent statements. He recalled that, as a minister in the 2015–19 government, he had promoted its payment on a sliding scale despite difficult fiscal conditions.
He also advocated taxing the windfall profits of oil refineries, which he described as unjustified. He criticised the government for opting for the minimum level of taxation provided for under the relevant European directive while simultaneously subsidising refineries, without securing a substantial reduction in fuel prices compared with other European countries.
Addressing SYRIZA’s internal organisation, Pappas referred to the party’s collective leadership and the work of its nine-member election campaign committee, stressing that differing opinions are considered within the appropriate party bodies.
He declined to announce any developments concerning a leadership election, arguing that the party’s existing organisational and political arrangements should remain in place until the next elections.
Despite the difficulties facing SYRIZA, Pappas maintained that the party was attempting a fresh start, seeking to rebuild its organisation, put forward distinct policy proposals and restore its political presence. He acknowledged that mistakes had been made on all sides and stressed the importance of learning from the past.
He concluded by reiterating SYRIZA’s determination to preserve its parliamentary strength and advance its political proposals at a time when developments across the broader Left are reshaping the prospects for cooperation and the balance of political forces.
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