Against the backdrop of a Congress marked by internal strife and strategic decisions, Kasselakis’s continued leadership without new internal elections signals a pivotal moment for SYRIZA. Propelled by key figures within the party, including Socrates Famellos, Nikos Pappas, and George Tsipras, this move seeks to avert potential discord, notably witnessed during the tense exchanges between Kasselakis and Olga Gerovasili.
In an interview with the state-owned TV channel ERT, Kasselakis dismissed the drama surrounding the Congress, asserting, “The description is a bit dramatic. The Congress acted as it should have.”
Undoubtedly, the Congress outcome has fortified Kasselakis. “I have emerged strengthened. You saw an entire stage conceding defeat to Kasselakis. I have a clear mandate to proceed with structural changes,” he affirmed.
The primary goal, according to Kasselakis, is not just to transform SYRIZA but to reshape it into a broad progressive alliance encompassing the entire Center-Left. “SYRIZA must transform, complete the transformation – initiated years ago by Alexis Tsipras- and become a broad progressive alliance uniting the entire Center-Left to defeat Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ Right,” he emphasized.
Addressing concerns about a potential defeat in the European elections, Kasselakis stated, “I will remain the leader of SYRIZA until the next national elections.“
On Gerovasili’s decision not to vie for the party presidency, Kasselakis responded, “Since a comrade does not de facto wish to be a candidate, and you have a congress saying, ‘let’s move forward and hands off Kasselakis.'”
Dismissive of the idea of internal elections solely for personal gain, Kasselakis asserted, “The easiest thing for me would be to win internal elections with 90% and say ‘look at that,’ but then what? How exactly will this help our society?”
Reflecting on the absence of Alexis Tsipras at the Congress, Kasselakis expressed respect for the former president’s initiative but commented, “I think it was a mistake not to appear at the congress. We are talking about thousands of members who have sweated for the party, who would have liked to hear from him in person.”
As questions linger about the party’s unity heading into elections, Kasselakis remained optimistic. “Of course, it can go united. SYRIZA will be united, but it must also be expanded,” he affirmed, highlighting the need for a modern party model and a clear message representing the contemporary Left.
In addressing issues like non-state universities, Kasselakis delved into the intricacies, questioning the role and necessity of private institutions in a landscape where public universities have already received substantial investment.
The road ahead for SYRIZA, under Kasselakis’s leadership, seems to be one of transformation, unity, and a clear message for a modern progressive agenda. As the party seeks to navigate its course, its leader remains resolute in steering towards a new era, undeterred by the challenges that lie ahead.
