Stefanos Tzoumakas, a prominent SYRIZA party member, has formally announced his departure from the political entity on Sunday. This decision follows his suspension by SYRIZA president Stefanos Kasselakis, marking the first in a series of exits resulting from Kasselakis’s recent initiative to expel dissenting members.
The departure of Tzoumakas is emblematic of the internal tensions that have been brewing within SYRIZA since Kasselakis assumed the presidency. Tzoumakas, one of the four members targeted for expulsion, has been a vocal critic of Kasselakis, even during the internal party elections for leadership.
In response to his suspension and subsequent exit, Tzoumakas issued a statement emphasizing his decision. He stated, “I have always been committed to the values of SYRIZA, but recent events have compelled me to part ways. The party, as I envision it, should embrace open dialogue and diverse opinions. Unfortunately, the current leadership seems to be moving in a different direction.”
Tzoumakas’s departure sets a precedent for the other three members who also face expulsion, potentially signaling a deeper divide within the party’s ranks. The SYRIZA leadership, under Kasselakis, has been firm in its stance against internal dissent, raising questions about the party’s commitment to intra-party democracy. The rift exposed by Tzoumakas’s exit also sheds light on the challenges faced by SYRIZA ahead of next Greek elections.
