Christos Spirtzis, former SYRIZA-PS minister and long-time party member, has declined to assume the parliamentary seat vacated by Giorgos Karameros following his resignation from the party.
A Principled Refusal
In a detailed public statement, Spirtzis explained that he cannot participate in what he describes as a “political circus” — a phrase he uses to characterize the current state of Greek politics, particularly within SYRIZA-PS. He emphasized that his decision stems from deep ideological and ethical disagreements with the party’s leadership, especially its collective support for Stefanos Kasselakis and what Spirtzis calls a path of “complete degradation” of both the party and Greek political life as a whole.
No Alignment With New Formations
Spirtzis clarified that his refusal is not linked to any intention to run on another party’s ballot or join a new political grouping — including the recently launched party led by Alexis Tsipras. While affirming his personal and emotional support for Tsipras in the upcoming elections, he stressed that such loyalty does not translate into participation in SYRIZA-PS’s current parliamentary structure.
Professional Identity and Political Integrity
Highlighting his identity as a civil engineer first and foremost, Spirtzis wrote: “When politics becomes a profession, it ceases to be politics.” He underscored that his professional independence allows him to uphold personal dignity without compromising on principle — a stance he says many politicians have abandoned amid growing tactical maneuvering and personal ambition.
He recalled his open dissent at SYRIZA-PS’s most recent congress and confirmed that his non-participation since then amounted to a de facto departure from the party. His refusal to accept the vacant seat, he stated, reflects unwavering commitment to the values he has upheld throughout his career — integrity, accountability, and respect for democratic legitimacy.
“I will not take part in a political circus shaped primarily by the Mitsotakis government — but also by those who place personal strategies and micro-party tactics above the overwhelming popular demand for change,” Spirtzis wrote, underscoring his belief that the electorate’s clear call for an alternative to the current administration is being undermined by fragmentation and opportunism.