In a dramatic turn of events, Stefanos Kasselakis was ousted as the president of SYRIZA following a tense meeting of the Political Secretariat. The decision was made with an overwhelming vote of 17-1, leaving Kasselakis with only the support of MP Theodora Tzakri. The absence of Olympia Teligioridou further highlighted the fraught atmosphere within the party.
Kasselakis's attempt to challenge the Central Committee's decision was met with staunch opposition. The Political Secretariat accused him of being unfit for the role and declared him deposed. The decision has been labelled as one of historical significance, with Kasselakis and his supporters threatening legal action and labelling the move an 'irregular and historical misstep.'
The meeting saw heated exchanges, with party secretary Rania Svigou confronting top executives over Kasselakis's legitimacy as president. Meanwhile, the general director, Christos Mavrokefalidis, asserted his administrative control, further complicating Kasselakis's claims.
Tzakri issued a statement decrying the process, describing it as a political and administrative misstep that paralyzes the party. She urged for recognition of the legal rule that secures Kasselakis's position until a proper election or reappointment occurs.
Despite the turmoil, Kasselakis remains defiant, taking to social media to declare "I am here" amidst what he termed as provocations. He urged SYRIZA supporters to avoid protests that could undermine party unity, emphasizing composure and patience as their strengths.
Meanwhile, many Kasselakis supporters have waged a PR campaign over the past day, charging that the vote and decision to oust the one-time Goldman Sachs junior trader and ertswhile shipping executive conflicted the party’s charter. Along those lines, media reports have the deposed party leader’s supporters ready to table the specific objection at an upcoming central committee meeting next month.