Another blow has struck SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, as Giorgos Gavrilos—the MP for Argolis—announced his withdrawal from the party’s parliamentary group and his decision to serve as an independent lawmaker.
A wave of departures
The move comes amid mounting internal tensions within SYRIZA and a growing wave of resignations that continue to erode the parliamentary strength of Greece’s official opposition. Gavrilos formally notified Parliament of his decision in a letter addressed to Speaker Nikitas Kaklamannis, registered on 14 July 2026.
In his brief statement, he wrote: “I hereby inform you of my decision to withdraw from the Parliamentary Group of SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance and remain an Independent MP for Argolis.”
The letter contains no explanation for his departure—leaving open the possibility that Gavrilos may clarify his reasons publicly in the coming hours.
Part of a broader trend
Gavrilos’ exit is part of a wider pattern of defections following recent internal developments within SYRIZA. According to current reports, several MPs have already left—or announced plans to leave—the parliamentary group, reshaping the dynamics of Greece’s legislative chamber.
Earlier the same day—Tuesday, 14 July 2026—Andreas Panagiotopoulos, SYRIZA’s MP for Achaea, also submitted a letter to Speaker Kaklamannis declaring his withdrawal from the SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance parliamentary group and his transition to independent status.
Gavrilos previously served as SYRIZA’s Shadow Minister for Labour and Social Security. He had earlier stepped down from the role of parliamentary spokesperson for the party but remained within its parliamentary group. His latest decision marks a full break from the group.
His independence is expected to further shift parliamentary balances, and attention now turns to his next steps—and those of other SYRIZA MPs who appear increasingly distanced from the party leadership.