New SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos is moving forward with a makeover of his left-wing party in an effort to transform it into what he described on Thursday as “the genuine opposition the country needs.”
In addressing SYRIZA’s recent loss of its status as the official opposition to PASOK, following the defection of several MPs, Famellos also aims to solidify the support of the 27 remaining lawmakers.
During his speech in Parliament on Thursday, he directed criticism at former president Stefanos Kasselakis (now leader of the splinter party Movement for Democracy) and the lawmakers who left the party to become independents. “No matter how hard they’ve tried to shrink us, no matter how many bankrupt arguments they’ve come up with – from the [deadly 2018 fire in] Mati to the capital controls (of June 2015) and the [2015 bailout] referendum – SYRIZA endures, is strong, united, and present.”
As part of his restructuring of SYRIZA, Famellos is expected to give key roles to shadow ministers, who will be tasked with leading a tough opposition against the conservative government. In addition to some reshuffling, Famellos will need to fill gaps left by recent departures. MP Pavlos Polakis, whom Famellos defeated in last month’s leadership race, is expected to remain in charge of the transparency sector after reportedly refusing to take on the role of parliamentary representative.
The shadow interior minister role, previously held by MP Yota Poulou, is expected to be taken over by MP Theofilos Xanthopoulos. MP and former regional governor Rena Dourou will remain the shadow foreign minister, and the migration portfolio will be handed to MP Giorgos Psychogios. While last-minute changes are still possible, MP Rania Thraskia is expected to be appointed as shadow education minister, putting an end to speculation about her leaving the party to become independent. Former parliamentary spokesperson Giorgos Gavrilos will focus on labor issues, and MP Harris Mamoulakis will continue in the finance sector. There will be no deputy shadow ministers, as this is not an option given that SYRIZA has lost 20 MPs compared to 2023.
Despite his recent criticism of PASOK, Famellos is expected to advocate for alliances between parties on the center-left of the political spectrum. “We believe in a progressive governance proposal,” he told lawmakers on Thursday, adding that “society is searching for a credible opposition.”
The issue of alliances is expected to be a key topic in the upcoming meeting of SYRIZA’s central committee on Saturday. In addition to discussing the party’s reorganization efforts and regional party organizations, the meeting will also address the party’s strategy on economic and labor issues, especially in light of the crucial upcoming budget debate.