Stefanos Kasselakis has put forward a bold proposal to rename Syriza as part of a broader effort to redefine and modernize the party.
His suggested new name, the "Coalition of Modern Left," represents a significant departure from Syriza's traditional identity and has sparked considerable debate within the party.
Mr. Kasselakis’s proposal for a name change is part of a larger plan to overhaul SYRIZA’s structure and operations.
He has called for a new party constitution that would fundamentally reshape how the party is organized and governed.
These changes include eliminating the current Political Secretariat and Central Committee, replacing them with streamlined, more centralized bodies that Mr. Kasselakis argues would make the party more efficient and responsive.
The proposed name change, however, has been particularly controversial. For many within Syryiza, the name is deeply symbolic, representing the party's historical roots and its commitment to left-wing politics. Critics, especially from the party’s internal opposition, see the renaming as an attempt by Kasselakis to distance the party from its past and consolidate his control over its future direction.
Pavlos Polakis, a prominent figure within Syriza and a vocal critic of Mr. Kasselakis, has been particularly outspoken in his opposition. He views the name change and the proposed structural reforms as a way for Mr. Kasselakis to exert more control over the party, at the expense of its democratic principles and traditional values.
Despite the backlash, Mr. Kasselakis remains determined to push forward with his vision.
He argues that the proposed changes are necessary for Syriza to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing political landscape.
However, the intense reactions within the party suggest that the road ahead will be challenging, as Mr. Kasselakis seeks to navigate the delicate balance between innovation and tradition within SYRIZA.
by Sotiris Bolakis