Intra-party Conflict in SYRIZA: The Battle for Influence Heats Up Ahead of the Conference

Amid a tense atmosphere filled with grievances and opposition against the party leadership, the Central Committee (CC) meeting of SYRIZA took place. The session charted all processes leading up to the party conference scheduled for June 12-15. A significant topic under discussion was the potential removal of citizens’ rights to vote in internal party procedures. Intense clashes emerged, notably between Socrates Famellos and Nikos Pappas regarding issues from the Casselaki era. Famellos accused Casselaki of unconstitutionally removing him from the Parliamentary Group without consulting the Political Secretariat. In response, Pappas strongly defended his position as the successor appointed by Casselaki. Another heated debate arose concerning the elimination of factions within the party. Pappas pointed out that even the current SYRIZA president once belonged to the RENE faction. Christos Spirtzis also voiced his concerns, criticizing the lack of support he receives from the party in defending himself against attacks related to the Tempiazzo issue. He alleged that key information he provided did not reach party members and accused certain groups close to Famellos of undermining his efforts. The president emphasized the need for reform, stating that ‘the problem isn’t the statutes and the organs; it’s a group of people around the president’s office.’ Despite these tensions, Famellos reiterated his commitment to changes necessary for both the party and society, urging everyone to take responsibility together. However, Paulos Polakis opposed this stance, advocating for maintaining the logic of the broad electorate system, arguing that such reforms could drastically reduce voter numbers.