Pavlos Polakis Announces Candidacy for SYRIZA Presidency

Polakis took the stage at the SYRIZA Central Committee and spoke about the issue of leadership, stating that he can lead the party to victory. He called on the current president, Stefanos Kasselakis, to call internal party elections.

Polakis said that regardless of the election result, he will remain in the party to defeat the political right. He directly addressed Kasselakis, saying "President, you don't do it, set up ballot boxes," urging him to hold the leadership election.

Polakis did not file a formal no-confidence motion against Kasselakis, but announced he will be a candidate if Kasselakis calls the election process. Polakis made clear he will stay in SYRIZA regardless of the outcome, saying "I spent my leftism at a young age" and called on all 87 Central Committee members to also remain in the party.

It should be noted that shortly after Kasselakis' speech, the "87" Central Committee members filed a no-confidence motion against him.