Rapid developments within SYRIZA were triggered by Sokratis Famellos’s resignation from the party’s presidency on Thursday, 9 July 2026. His departure comes amid an escalating internal rift over the party’s relationship with the Greek Left Coalition (ELAS) — a new political initiative launched by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras — and deepening tensions within SYRIZA’s leadership.
A Resignation Rooted in Principle
In his statement, Famellos said he assumed the presidency “at the most difficult moment in SYRIZA’s history”, setting two core goals: rebuilding SYRIZA as a serious, collective, left-wing party, and forging a unifying progressive alliance with SYRIZA at its centre. However, he said recent developments have undermined both objectives.
“I cannot support another political project,” he declared, announcing his withdrawal from the party’s leadership.
Criticism Directed at ELAS and Internal Opponents
Famellos directly referenced Tsipras’s resignation from SYRIZA and the formation of ELAS, calling it a “significant shift in the progressive landscape”. While SYRIZA, he stressed, chose convergence and unity from the outset, ELAS has publicly rejected cooperation and convergence.
At the same time, Famellos turned criticism inward — accusing certain SYRIZA figures of having “planted mines” from day one against the party’s official line on progressive unity. He alleged their aim was electoral entrenchment and undermining his leadership.
Clarifying the Scope of His Departure
Famellos emphasized that his resignation applies solely to the party presidency — not to his parliamentary seat or his membership in SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance. “I am not resigning from Parliament. I am not resigning from SYRIZA-PA,” he stated, underscoring his continued commitment to the broader left and to collective action.
He reaffirmed his belief in the necessity of progressive convergence and reiterated his dedication to the values of solidarity, democracy, and the left.
A Call for Unity — and a New Chapter of Uncertainty
Famellos framed his resignation as a political message addressed to all sides: “SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance and the entire Left must serve unity — so that the Right can be removed from power.” He urged all actors to assume responsibility for healing divisions.
His exit opens a new phase of uncertainty for SYRIZA’s headquarters on Koulouri Street. The party now faces a dual challenge: managing the succession process for its leadership, while also confronting the fundamental strategic question dividing it — whether to pursue an independent course or seek convergence with Tsipras’s new ELAS initiative.