Alexis Tsipras is in no hurry to bring former allies into his new political party, ELAS, despite renewed speculation following the departure of six lawmakers and one additional member from New Left.
According to people familiar with his thinking, Tsipras believes anyone leaving another party is free to register through the platform myelas.gr and become a member. However, former associates should not expect public welcomes, photo opportunities or high-profile announcements if they join.
Party officials say ELAS is focused on projecting renewal through new faces who already represent the party in the media and through a growing organizational structure. The leadership is also monitoring developments within SYRIZA before making decisions about broader political alignments.
Several former SYRIZA figures who distanced themselves earlier, including Dionysis Teboneras, Grigoris Theodorakis and Giorgos Vassiliadis, have already assumed roles in the new party. Others who have recently resigned are viewed as being closer to potential cooperation.
Reports that candidate lists are already being prepared have been dismissed by party officials. They say no new recruits have been contacted about electoral candidacies or asked about their preferences. Within the next two weeks, ELAS plans to establish temporary governing bodies and policy teams.
