It appears that at least 4 of New Left’s 11 MPs are set to become independent next week, meaning the party will no longer be a separate parliamentary group, as its numbers will fall below the threshold of 10 lawmakers.
The move is part of the rift within the party as to whether to follow former Prine Minister Alexis Tsipras in his new formation, Greek Left Alliance, announced Tuesday. While the New Left leadership insists the party will continue on its own way, most of its MPs, mindful of the fact that opinion polls consistently show them failing to enter Parliament after the next election, due early in 2027.
“New Left is a party that will continue on its way,” said spokesman Giorgos Lykopantis.
It is far from certain that Tsipras will take those MPs on. He has repeatedly said that, before joining him, current lawmakers must surrender their seats. But the MPs are apparently banking on a change of heart, especially as the election draws closer.
The four MPs set to leave the party are, reportedly, former party president Alexis Charitsis, Efi Achtsioglou, Dimitris Tzanakopoulos and Nassos Iliopoulos. Three more lawmakers, Theano Fotiou, Meropi Tzoufi and Hussein Zeybek are said to be considering joining them.
