Sharp clashes among candidates vying for Syriza’s leadership unfolded during a televised debate ahead of Sunday’s internal elections.
The debate revealed competing visions for the party’s future and exposed tensions stemming from Syriza’s struggles to regain momentum following recent electoral defeats and the controversial leadership of former president Stefanos Kasselakis.
Prominent candidates Pavlos Polakis and Sokratis Famellos took aim at Nikolas Farantouris, accusing him of lacking the experience needed to lead the party.
Mr. Polakis argued that Mr. Farantouris, currently serving in the European Parliament, should have stayed there to contribute to the legislative body rather than prematurely seeking party leadership. Mr. Famellos echoed this sentiment, while also critiquing Mr. Polakis for actions he claimed had previously harmed Syriza's credibility.
The confrontation underscored the party’s internal divisions.
Policy proposals varied widely during the two-hour debate. Mr. Polakis called for the re-nationalization of key industries, including the Public Power Corporation (DEH), the Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE), and the National Bank of Greece, signaling a return to leftist economic policies.
Apostolos Gletsos focused on the humanitarian management of migration, while Mr. Farantouris emphasized the need for strategic realignment in Greece’s foreign policy, criticizing the government for what he called its neglect of regional relationships and commitments.
The debate also highlighted unresolved issues from Mr. Kasselakis' tenure. Candidates offered conflicting interpretations of the party's future direction and its handling of national issues, from Greece’s relations with Turkey to its position on the war in Ukraine.
Mr. Polakis condemned the government’s full alignment with Israel in the Middle East conflict and criticized Greece’s military aid to Ukraine, suggesting the country should have adopted a more neutral role.
Social media buzzed with reactions to the debate, reflecting the public’s interest in Syriza’s attempts to reposition itself in Greece’s political landscape.
The upcoming elections will determine who will lead the party as it seeks to recover from recent setbacks and address internal strife.
The stakes are high, as the next leader will have the responsibility of uniting a fractured party and redefining its approach to governance and opposition.