Former SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos has become an independent MP, about two weeks after stepping down as head of the left-wing opposition party.
Famellos informed Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis of his decision, describing it, in an ensuing statement, as “very difficult” as “my whole life has been connected with organized action on the Left, [the] Synaspismos and SYRIZA [parties], since their foundation.”
He said recent developments at SYRIZA “do not align with the values of the Left. I can’t support the entrenchment, which doesn’t respond to the citizens’ need for the Right to leave and for a progressive government to take its place.”
Famellos’ departure comes amid growing uncertainty over SYRIZA’s future and continued fragmentation on Greece’s left, following the 2023 split that led to the formation of the now-defunct New Left party and the recent launch of former prime minister Alexis Tsipras’ ELAS (Greek Left Alliance).
Rena Dourou was elected SYRIZA leader on Saturday after running unopposed. The party has been devastated by a wave of defections, leaving it with just 10 seats in Greece’s 300-member Parliament, down from the 47 it won in the June 2023 general election.
