A new day is dawning for SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance following Alexis Tsipras’s announcement that he will not run for the party presidency again, bringing to a close what was, if nothing else, a historic era for the Left and the country. The party bodies now have the floor, with the Political Secretariat and the Central Committee set to meet in the coming days to chart a course for the party’s reorganization and reconstruction.
The next steps
Rapid developments are expected in the coming period, with the issue of electing the leadership by the rank-and-file and a new Central Committee taking center stage, while the question of when the party convention will be held remains unanswered for the time being.
One thing is certain: SYRIZA-P.S. will move forward in the coming period by activating all the relevant statutory provisions concerning its democratic functioning and the participation of its members in critical decisions. Yesterday, at the emergency meeting of the Executive Bureau, Alexis Tsipras announced his resignation, in an atmosphere that was both emotionally charged and collegial, with no discussion of what the next steps would be. By noon, however, according to reports, critical decisions are expected regarding potential candidates for the position of president. Consultations, meetings, and discussions are already underway among top officials both within and outside the party headquarters.
New Leader of the Parliamentary Group.
Over the next 24 hours, it will become clear who will temporarily take over as head of the Parliamentary Group, with party officials proposing Olga Gerovasili. According to SYRIZA-PS officials speaking to AVGI, she is a figure of broad consensus, known for her modesty and political experience. Moreover, decisions regarding the staffing of the Parliamentary Group’s positions must be made immediately, as the government’s policy statements are expected next week.
At the same time, sources at the Koumoundourou headquarters are denying rumors that Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, MP for Athens A, following yesterday’s reports suggesting he would step down in the wake of Alexis Tsipras’s announcements.
An atmosphere of emotion and unity
Party officials, members of the parliamentary caucus, and rank-and-file members, upon hearing of Alexis Tsipras’s resignation, praised his political abilities, his contributions to the party and the nation, as well as his modesty and integrity. «His political composure, his fighting spirit, and his honesty have left an indelible mark on our party,» said Euclid Tsakalotos, while Fotis Kouvelis spoke of «his tremendous political integrity.» «As honest as anyone could be. A visionary throughout his entire career. Courageous until the very end.”.
»I stand by him, whatever he decides,« said National Assembly member Elena Akrita in a post, while the SYRIZA Youth, in a lengthy statement, noted, among other things: »Our party, the youth wing, and the Left owe him so much, because throughout this entire journey, despite the difficulties and setbacks, he was the best captain. Because with him, we felt inspired and managed to make history.” For her part, Olga Gerovasili reposted the statement by the SYRIZA president. It is worth noting that social media was flooded with statements and messages praising the character, political career, and contributions of Alexis Tsipras to the political affairs of both SYRIZA and the country.
