Sokratis Famellos resigned on Wednesday as president of Greece’s main opposition party, SYRIZA, after mounting internal pressure and a wave of defections deepened the party’s political crisis following the launch of former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ new political movement.
Famellos announced his decision after an extraordinary meeting of SYRIZA’s Political Secretariat, saying he was stepping down to allow the party to move forward. His resignation comes less than two years after he was elected leader and follows days of growing speculation about his future as divisions within the left-wing party intensified.
The move marks another turning point for SYRIZA, which has struggled with repeated internal disputes since its defeat in the 2023 national elections. The party has experienced successive leadership changes, parliamentary defections and declining public support, while Tsipras’ newly formed Greek Left Alliance (ELAS) has attracted several current and former SYRIZA members.
Pressure mounted after a series of senior party figures openly questioned Famellos’ leadership. Earlier this week, MP Pavlos Polakis publicly urged him to resign, arguing that the party required a fresh start if it was to remain politically relevant.
Party faces new leadership transition
With Famellos stepping down, SYRIZA is expected to begin the process of selecting an interim leadership and determining the timetable for a new leadership election. Party bodies are expected to meet in the coming days to outline the next steps.
The resignation adds further uncertainty for Greece’s main opposition party at a time when it is attempting to redefine its role on the center-left. Since Tsipras announced the creation of ELAS, several prominent SYRIZA members have left to support the new political formation, raising concerns about the party’s parliamentary strength and long-term future.
Tsipras’ new party reshapes Greece’s left
Famellos had repeatedly argued in recent weeks that progressive parties should avoid direct confrontation and seek cooperation instead of competing against one another. However, the launch of ELAS accelerated political realignment on Greece’s left and intensified calls for new leadership within SYRIZA.
His resignation now leaves the party searching for a new direction as it seeks to rebuild its organization, retain lawmakers and regain support ahead of future elections. The leadership transition is expected to dominate Greek political developments in the coming weeks as SYRIZA attempts to stabilize after one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
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