Syriza has released the financial disclosures of its presidential candidates, including Stefanos Kasselakis, Sokratis Famellos, Pavlos Polakis, Nikos Farantouris, and Apostolos Gletsos, on the party's official website.
This follows the uproar over the leak of Mr. Kasselakis’ financial records, which prompted him to file a legal notice against Syriza's Political Secretariat and Central Committee.
Acting on the instructions of Nikos Pappas, Syriza responded by publishing the financial statements of all candidates.
The Political Secretariat rejected Mr. Kasselakis’ legal notice as unacceptable, and the Central Committee is set to convene for an emergency meeting on Saturday "in light of recent developments, to ensure a structured process for the presidential election."
Mr. Kasselakis’ legal action against the Political Secretariat and Central Committee, following the leak of his financial information to local media, has further deepened tensions within the party. Notably, Mr. Kasselakis signed the legal document as President of Syriza, adding to the internal friction.
In a statement, Syriza's Political Secretariat emphasized that during the Central Committee’s September 21, 2024 meeting, it was agreed that all candidates must submit their financial disclosures for public posting on the party’s website.
The statement underscored the importance of transparency, stating, "It is essential that we demonstrate, through actions and not just words, that neither our party nor our officials have anything to conceal."
The submission of financial disclosures, accompanied by the necessary signatures, is considered explicit consent for publication on the website.
Mr. Kasselakis declared a total income of $1,678,594 for 2023, with an additional $70,417.48 in rental income. His investment portfolio exceeds $3.5 million, including holdings of $1,052,454.54 and $2,356,289.48 in the Nuveen High Yield Municipal Bond Fund, and $326,270 in Breakwave Dry Bulk Shipping.
He also reported deposits of $26,231.62 with J.P. Morgan and €26,793.27 with the National Bank of Greece.
His real estate assets include a home on the island of Spetses, a family property in Neos Kosmos, and ownership of 55 acres in New York State, where a villa is available for rental.
In terms of liabilities, Mr. Kasselakis reported loans totaling approximately $1.65 million. He owes $1,577,467.15 to Cross Country Mortgage and $78,926.05 to Miami Automobile. He also holds two smaller loans, amounting to roughly €6,000. Additionally, his financial disclosure lists Osios LLC, a company with $500,000 in capital, through which he extended a loan to Syriza in 2023.
Lastly, Mr. Kasselakis reported the value of his vehicle at $109,353.53.
As Syriza heads into its internal election, the publication of these financial records is seen as a critical step in addressing transparency, at a time when the party faces heightened scrutiny and internal tensions.