Syriza Splits Again

ATHENS – Greece's political landscape shifted dramatically over the weekend as Stefanos Kasselakis, the recently ousted leader of the Syriza party, announced the formation of a new political movement, pulling at least four MPs with him and potentially paving the way for the Socialist PASOK party to become the main opposition.

Speaking to a cheering crowd outside his new headquarters on Saturday, Kasselakis declared that "Syriza has closed its democratic chapter." Positioning himself as the leader of a fresh, progressive force, the U.S. expat vowed to create a movement “from society, for society,” promising supporters a democratic process to choose the new party's name. He offered his "good luck" to those remaining within Syriza.

This dramatic split follows Syriza's official confirmation that Kasselakis would be barred from running in the upcoming leadership election scheduled for November. The decision sparked chaotic scenes on Friday as Kasselakis's supporters, known as "Kasselistas," attempted to storm the meeting venue, leading to clashes and requiring police intervention. Four other candidates have been officially confirmed for the Syriza leadership race.

Syriza, the left-wing party that governed Greece from 2015 to 2019, has been in turmoil since its resounding defeat by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the 2022 elections. That loss triggered the resignation of longtime leader Alexis Tsipras. Kasselakis's surprise election in September 2023 further deepened internal divisions. His views on economic policy, NATO, and Israel clashed with the party's traditional left-wing stance, and his wealth and lifestyle also drew criticism. This latest fracture follows an earlier split last November when dozens of members formed the New Left party.

With Syriza's parliamentary representation dwindling, the Socialist PASOK party, currently holding 31 seats, is poised to become the main opposition force in the Greek parliament. The future of Syriza, once a dominant force in Greek politics, now hangs in the balance.