As the clock ticks down to the imminent congress of the main opposition party, SYRIZA, and the consequential election of a new president, candidates vying for the coveted leadership position have launched their campaigns with gusto. With the congress scheduled for September 2 and the presidential election slated for September 10, the political landscape is brimming with anticipation.
The upcoming election comes in the wake of the resignation of Alexis Tsipras, the former prime minister who held the reins from 2015 to 2019. Tsipras stepped down following the resounding defeat suffered by the leftist party in the national elections of May and June.
Eager to redefine the party’s course, contenders have embarked on a rigorous campaign trail across the nation. Efi Achtsioglou, the 38-year-old former labor minister, has gained traction as a prominent candidate. Kicking off the week, she commenced her campaign in Ioannina, a city nestled in northwestern Greece, after a weekend visit to Kozani.
Euclid Tsakalotos, 63, a former finance minister in Tsipras’ cabinet, has chosen the island of Crete as his campaign backdrop. He is set to address events in Iraklio on Monday and Rethymno on Tuesday, engaging with potential supporters as he outlines his vision for the party’s future.
A notable figure in the race, Nikos Pappas, 47, who served as Tsipras’ right-hand man and digital governance minister, is taking his campaign through central and northern Greece. Pappas aims to connect with voters and bolster his candidacy as he takes the stage in the bustling port city of Thessaloniki on Monday.
Stepping onto the scene with an air of surprise, 77-year-old Stefanos Tzoumakas has captured the attention of many. The unexpected candidate is slated to be in Larissa on Monday and Kavala on Tuesday, making his case to party members in these significant regional centers.
As the campaigns unfold, each candidate seeks to convince SYRIZA supporters that they hold the key to revitalizing the party’s fortunes. With a historic congress on the horizon, the race for leadership has ignited political fervor across the nation, underscoring the significance of this pivotal moment for SYRIZA and Greece’s political landscape at large.
