In a surprising turn of events, Stefanos Kasselakis, a prominent Greek ship investor, has thrown his hat into the ring for the leadership of the main opposition party, SYRIZA. This unexpected move marks his entry as the fifth contender in the race, adding a fresh dynamic to the lineup.
The 35-year-old Kasselakis officially declared his candidacy on Tuesday, making his intentions clear in a letter submitted to the Prefectural Committee of Chania. This new entrant’s background is notably diverse. Having spent significant periods in the United States, he previously served as a SYRIZA candidate on the party’s state-wide list during the 2023 general elections. A unique facet of his resume reveals his role as a volunteer on then-Senator Joe Biden’s staff during the 2008 Presidential Election.
Positioning himself as a self-made individual advocating for social equality, the separation of church and state, and the abolishment of compulsory military service, Kasselakis brings a distinctive perspective to the table. “I am aware that I have no political party experience. My experience is in work and social life. The candidacy I am now putting forward shows another path: From society [and] for society. Several generations have been lost. The time has come to build the Greek Dream that we so desperately need,” he conveyed in a social media post.
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Embarking on his campaign journey, Kasselakis has chosen Chania, his hometown in western Crete, as his starting point. His schedule includes an evening gathering with SYRIZA members and supporters at the Venizelos Tombs park, followed by a live appearance on a television newscast.
Among the lineup of contenders, Kasselakis joins Efi Achtsioglou, Euclid Tsakalotos, Nikos Pappas, and Stefanos Tzoumakas in the race for the leadership of SYRIZA. This transition comes after Alexis Tsipras resigned following the party’s double defeat in the May and June elections.
The electoral process will see SYRIZA members casting their votes for the new leader on September 10. If necessary, a second round will be held on September 16, allowing members to choose their preferred candidate from the declared pool. With Kasselakis stepping onto the scene as a latecomer, the leadership race becomes even more intriguing as the party seeks to chart a new course under fresh leadership.
