The seismic developments within SYRIZA continue to unfold following the tumultuous first day of the party’s conference on Friday, November 8. Former party leader Stefanos Kasselakis has formally exited SYRIZA and, on Saturday, announced the formation of a new political movement. Kasselakis arrived at his headquarters in Tavros around 2:30 p.m.
“Yesterday, there was a democratic earthquake,” Kasselakis declared at the start of his speech. “Today marks the birth of a movement for democracy, free citizens, and progress.”
Kasselakis expressed thanks to his supporters and dedicated his announcements to Chrysa, the mother of a 15-year-old who died in a car accident in Crete. She had messaged him, saying, “Don’t let them win; we are with you.”
“From now on, we will shape politics together,” he asserted, adding that today is a celebratory moment as a new movement of democracy, progress, and free citizens begins.
The former junior trader for JP Morgan explained that attendees faced a critical choice—either to legitimize the process through silence or speak up. “Silence is not tolerance; it’s complicity,” he said.
He highlighted the grassroots efforts of his supporters who, despite lacking significant resources, managed to challenge the entrenched party machinery. “That’s why no result was announced,” he noted, emphasizing the right of people to use their voice against undemocratic processes.
The ex-SYRIZA leader stressed that his movement would not remain within an undemocratic party but would instead create an independent initiative sourced from the people. “A movement of members, not state-dependent officials, which you will all own,” he said.
He went on to point out this is not a new start but a continuation of the democratic essence of SYRIZA, open to all progressive citizens and even the institutional right. His movement, he claimed, would embody participatory democracy where “citizens decide for themselves.”
Gathering at the Headquarters
By 1:00 p.m., over 500 people had assembled at the Tavros office, including notable figures such as former New Democracy politicians Aris Spiliotopoulos, Evangelos Antonaros—who earlier in the day announced his departure from SYRIZA—, Giannis Voulgarakis, Nikos Karanikas, Thanasis Oikonomou, Theodora Tzakri, Alexandros Avlonitis, Rallia Christidou, and Thanos Moraitis.
Meanwhile, Petros Pappas announced his official status as an independent with a sharp online post, adding to the political stir.
