Amid escalating tensions within SYRIZA, a deep internal rift has emerged following the resignation of MP Nikos Famellos — widely seen as the final break in the party’s unity. The split is now playing out openly in the Central Committee, with resignations and declarations of independence mounting rapidly. What began as political maneuvering has taken on the character of an intra-party crisis — one that could reshape Greece’s opposition landscape ahead of the next general elections.
A Government That Won’t Take a Break
Contrary to seasonal expectations, the government won’t be going on summer vacation. As one senior minister told a source: “Why would we leave? We’re not going anywhere.” While ministers remain at work, MPs have already begun constituency tours under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ directive. By month’s end, regional deputy governors who’ve received the green light to run in next year’s elections are expected to formally step down from their posts — a move personally requested by Mitsotakis.
Electoral Timeline Tightens
The electoral calendar is accelerating. The first parliamentary vote on constitutional revision articles is scheduled for around 20 July; the second round is set for 25–26 August. With that, the drafting committee’s work will conclude in this phase. Meanwhile, the EU Recovery Fund expires at the end of August — adding urgency to fiscal planning. On 5–6 September, Mitsotakis will deliver major policy announcements from the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), widely anticipated to carry strong pre-election overtones.
Preparing the Ground for Voting
For the first time in national elections, Greeks living abroad who retain their voting rights will be able to cast ballots by post. High-security paper for ballot envelopes has already been procured — reportedly at favorable prices — and stock is also available for all parties’ official ballot papers. The relevant contract is expected to be signed imminently, opening the application window for overseas voters.
No Room for Legal Surprises
With Parliament in recess throughout the summer, any potential indictments or legal actions from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office cannot be formally tabled until lawmakers reconvene — effectively shielding the current administration from last-minute judicial disruptions.
Electoral Calculus and Political Realities
Analysts aligned with New Democracy observe that the party currently hovers near 30% in rolling polls — a psychologically significant threshold, slightly above its European election result. They expect further consolidation — and possibly higher numbers — once the campaign enters its decisive phase. Meanwhile, Alexis Tsipras’ new bloc appears stabilized at 17–18%, mirroring his party’s EU election performance before Famellos’ resignation. Though still early, this is considered a promising start — particularly given Tsipras’ chosen strategy: distancing himself from the old SYRIZA, spotlighting new faces, and launching a novel outreach initiative titled “Now We Talk,” featuring open town-hall-style meetings across the country.
The Shifting Party Map
PASOK’s position remains uncertain — the original Greek text cuts off mid-sentence, leaving its trajectory unclarified.