Leftist leader Stefanos Kasselakis has pledged to step down if he is seen as posing a problem to efforts to unifying progressive forces in the country.
He made the announcement at a conference of the Economist, south of Athens, emphasising that political parties should not function like businesses “engaging in mergers and acquisitions.” “We want a clear message from other progressive forces that they genuinely uphold progressive values,” Mr. Kasselakis stated. “However, this message must emerge from the grassroots. “Personally,” he said, “I am open to not being part of the problem. If my presence becomes an obstacle to such a convergence that has the potential of becoming a government, then I promise to resign.”
Mr. Kasselakis said his priority, instead, was his country altogether.
“Syriza here to engage with [the socialist] Pasok party, but any external pressure will face the reaction of our base.
“The message from our base is one of a strong and independent Syriza.”
In addressing the conference, the leftist leader lashed out at the government, accusing it of allowing Greeks “to suffer without adequate support,” highlighting rising rates of workers living along poverty lines.
Asked about his party’s performance in recent European elections, the leftist leader said reactionary forces emerged as the clear winners of the polls. Still, he explained, Syriza managed to close the gap with the ruling New Democracy party despite internal struggles that has gripped his party in recent months.
“The government is no longer beyond scrutiny or criticism, and it lacks the arrogance of a 41 percent majority,” Mr. Kasselakis said. “The prime minister himself has admitted that the party’s slump in support was due to rising costs of living.”
Asked about his nine months as Syriza president, Mr. Kasselakis emphasised the importance, as he put it, of listening to people and being genuine. Still, he said, he was not required the permission to act in the best interest of ordinary citizens.