SYRIZA President Sokratis Famellis clearly distanced the party from Maria Karystianou’s newly formed political initiative during the Political Secretariat meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Famellis launched a sharp critique of the Mitsotakis government—accusing ND of far-right rhetoric on migration, systemic labor accidents, institutional distortions, and attempts to cover up the OPEKEPE scandal. PAULOS POLAKIS reportedly urged Famellis to publicly declare SYRIZA’s independent electoral participation, stating: ‘We will not all follow Tsipras.’ Famellis reaffirmed SYRIZA’s support for justice in the Tempe tragedy but stressed that societal demands for political change cannot be met through anti-political or leveling approaches. He emphasized urgent cooperation among progressive forces, warning that failure risks empowering anti-systemic or far-right alternatives. The meeting also addressed the recent migrant tragedy off Chios—15 dead, dozens injured—calling for a transparent, independent investigation and full protection for survivors under international asylum law.
Famellis Distances SYRIZA from Karystianou’s New Party
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