Developments within SYRIZA are unfolding rapidly, as Socrates Famellos submitted his resignation as party president, paving the way for the start of the process to elect new leadership.

In a video, Mr. Famellos states the following:

“I assumed the presidency of SYRIZA—Progressive Alliance—at its most difficult moment, setting two fundamental goals:

To become a serious, collective, left-wing party that will honor the people’s vote and stand in the way of the Mitsotakis regime’s plans.

And to form, in the upcoming parliamentary elections, a unifying, progressive coalition led by SYRIZA-PS, which will defeat the corrupt and dangerous right-wing government.

Through collective effort, we’ve turned a new page:

Through significant work in Parliament, a presence throughout Greece standing alongside citizens, and vigorous political action.

We have taken significant steps to regain the seriousness and credibility we had lost.

Through a successful Congress, the election of new leadership, the renewal of key representative positions, and the relaunch of the “Nikos Poulantzas” Institute.

Our finances have been put in order. SYRIZA-PS does not owe a single euro to banks, the government, or suppliers.

We have also set in motion the financial restructuring of Avgi and Kokkino, even though I inherited insurmountable debts, by paying all amounts owed to employees and restructuring our debts to the government.

We put forward specific proposals to address all the needs of the people and the country, and we took many initiatives to bring the progressive camp together, without any partisan self-interest.

And I am proud of the work we have done with my comrades—and not just over the past two years. I thank them all very much for this journey through life.

I fought to unite the progressive and left-wing movements, without any personal ambition.

Because I believe in the values of the Left, in the power of collectivity, of unity, in “us” rather than in individual paths.

I have always fought for progressive convergence and synthesis, over time, in whatever social sphere and whatever position I have found myself in.

My commitment to cooperation among progressive forces was met with rejection by PASOK and the New Left, which bear serious responsibility for the fragmentation.

Alexis Tsipras’s resignation and the creation of ELAS marked a significant shift within the progressive movement.

From the very beginning, we spoke of the need for convergence and unity, ruling out any possibility of confrontation.

With the decision of our Central Committee on June 6, we took a bold step that reflects the views of SYRIZA-PS members and voters.

Let us support this initiative and work toward a broad progressive convergence, so that the Right may be defeated and the ideas and values of the Left may find continuity.

Despite the significant concessions we have made, the Hellenic Police (ELAS) has publicly refused to cooperate or seek convergence, contrary to the call from society, which demands unity.

Furthermore, disparaging comments are being circulated that underestimate the ability of SYRIZA-PS and its members to contribute positively to the coalition of Leftist and Progressive citizens and collectives.

Up until now, I have done everything possible to prevent this rift within the Left, which saps strength from the goal of a progressive way forward and presents progressive citizens with dilemmas.

At the same time, certain SYRIZA-PS officials have undermined our decision from day one, by undermining democratic collective processes as well as the will of the overwhelming majority of party members, with the sole aim of isolating us electorally and discrediting me.

Unfortunately, the same mistakes and the same personal strategies that led to the discrediting of SYRIZA-PS in 2023 are being repeated.

All of the above call into question the fundamental goals I set upon my election.

I cannot support another political plan.

I am resigning from the presidency of SYRIZA Progressive Alliance.

I do not want to, nor can I, be part of this division at this critical political moment for our country.

I am not resigning from Parliament.

I am not resigning from SYRIZA-PS.

I honor the people’s mandate; I believe in the Left and in political action.

My resignation carries a single political message, directed in all directions.

SYRIZA—Progressive Alliance and the entire Left must work to foster unity so that the Right is defeated, in the interest of the people.

We must not allow any further division.

And here, everyone must shoulder their responsibilities.”

This is a development that creates a new reality not only within the center-left but also within SYRIZA itself.

Socrates Famellos served as president of SYRIZA–PS for about 1.5 years, having been elected on November 24, 2024. He has been a member of parliament since 2015.