“If I see that SYRIZA is an anti-democratic party and there is no hope, yes, I may resign today,” said Petros Pappas, making his stay in the party conditional on what happens with Kasselakis’ candidacy at the party’s congress that it starts today.
“We will not stay in an anti-democratic formation. The battle must be fought to the end, on Sunday. We have no place in a party that implements anti-democratic blockades,” said MP Kilkis speaking to Parapolitika 90.1.
At the same time, he stated that “I will not hand over my seat to Mrs. Svigou who does not tell us how many voted for Mr. Pappa in Ms. Gerovasilis to Mr. Giannoulis. They themselves should surrender their seats.”
And he continued, in the same tone, appealing to executives with a “suicidal mood”: “If they block a former president, the party will not enter the next Parliament”, he said, stressing that Stefanos Kasselakis cannot be excluded from the internal party battle for leadership of SYRIZA.
“Five candidates must go to the grassroots,” he noted, and added: “If the presidency has only one expression, it will be criticized just like if it does not put the Kasselakis candidacy on the agenda.”
#resign #SYRIZA #today
**Interview with Petros Pappas: Exploring the Future of SYRIZA**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Petros. You recently stated that you might resign from SYRIZA if the party is deemed anti-democratic. Can you elaborate on what specific actions from the party would provoke such a drastic decision?
**Petros Pappas:** Absolutely. My position hinges on how the party responds to the candidacy of Stefanos Kasselakis during this congress. If there are anti-democratic blockades against him or any candidate, then I see no reason to remain part of an organization that undermines democratic principles.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your interview the need for all five candidates to be presented to the grassroots. Why do you believe this is crucial for the future of SYRIZA?
**Petros Pappas:** It’s essential for the party’s legitimacy. If only one candidate is presented or if Kasselakis is excluded, it would not only stifle democratic debate but also lead to serious criticism of SYRIZA. We need a diverse representation to ensure that we reflect the voices of all members and supporters.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with such strong statements coming from you about potential resignations and allegations of anti-democratic practices, how do you think the party’s members will react, and what does that mean for SYRIZA’s future?
**Petros Pappas:** I expect this will generate a lot of discussions among our members. The health of our democracy within the party is at stake. If we don’t address these issues soon, I fear we risk not entering the next Parliament at all. It’s a pivotal moment for all of us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Petros. Now, to our readers: Do you believe the internal turmoil in SYRIZA reflects a deeper crisis in democratic practices within political parties? What steps should party leaders take to ensure all voices are heard and respected at this critical juncture? Share your thoughts!
