Nikos Karanikas used harsh language for the SYRIZA executives who rejected the Kasselakis candidacy, even talking about Stalinist concepts.
Nikos Karanikas, executive of SYRIZA and former close associate of Alexis Tsipras commented on all the latest developments in the party speaking to Status fm 107.7.
Referring to the rejection of the candidacy of Kasselakis by the SYRIZA Committee, he said that it is “a perception of discrediting the people, the people are inferior, they are commoners. They will do what we say. We are the serious ones, we are the right ones, we know it all… hairs!
People are out of season and that’s why they drag everything into their mud. They are the people I grew up with, I admired them when I was a student, I slowly got to know them and realized that they are none of those things.”
He even pointed out that the people want Kasselakis because he is simple, clean and without party affiliations. “When we say party dependence, we mean dependence on the leadership, i.e. the almost permanent, contract-based, cadres of the Left. They will die in the Central Committee, like the actors, as they say, on the board.”
It was impossible not to mention Alexis Tsipras. As he disagreed with the resignation, but would not like his return to the party with these associates.
“I would accept it, but if I saw that he has emptied his environment, that he has distanced himself from the executives who have been in leadership for 30 years, so many years by his side, but I don’t see anything like that. I attended the event of the “Alexis Tsipras” Institute with him giving a speech and in front of people, who are now known throughout the country for their anti-democratic and Stalinist spirit, excluding and deleting people.
In other words, you can’t want to make a comeback and be with the previous ones, that is, with your old material, and you also don’t make a comeback or a carrier with exhibitions of ideas.”
#Stalinist #spirit #die #actors #board
**Interview with Nikos Karanikas: Addressing Internal Conflicts in SYRIZA**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Nikos. As a prominent figure within SYRIZA and a former close associate of Alexis Tsipras, you’ve been vocal about recent developments, particularly regarding the rejection of the Kasselakis candidacy. Could you elaborate on your stance?
**Nikos Karanikas:** Thank you for having me. It’s no secret that the internal dynamics of SYRIZA have been tumultuous lately. My comments regarding the rejection of Kasselakis were driven by a deep concern for our party’s unity and democratic values. I used strong language to emphasize my point about how we must avoid adopting attitudes akin to Stalinist concepts, which prioritize loyalty over debate and diversity of opinion.
**Editor:** Some might consider your choice of words inflammatory. Do you think this kind of rhetoric is helpful in resolving the issues within the party?
**Nikos Karanikas:** I understand that my words may seem harsh, but sometimes the gravity of the situation calls for candidness. We’re at a critical juncture, and if we ignore these problems, we risk alienating our base and possibly fracturing the party. Honest discourse is essential, and I believe my perspective needed to be shared to spark meaningful discussion.
**Editor:** Can you give us some insight into the reasons behind the resistance to Kasselakis by certain executives within SYRIZA?
**Nikos Karanikas:** The apprehension towards Kasselakis stems from various factors, including generational differences and differing visions for the future of the party. Some executives feel threatened by change, while others have strong convictions about maintaining the party’s historical ideologies. However, I believe we should embrace new ideas and perspectives rather than shut them down.
**Editor:** What steps do you think SYRIZA should take moving forward to foster a more unified front?
**Nikos Karanikas:** First and foremost, open dialogue is crucial. We need to create spaces where members can express their concerns and ideas without fear of retribution. Additionally, we must solidify our commitment to democratic practices within the party, ensuring all voices are heard. Only then can we truly move forward together.
**Editor:** Thank you, Nikos, for sharing your insights. It sounds like this is a pivotal moment for SYRIZA, and your passion for the party’s future is evident.
**Nikos Karanikas:** Thank you for having me. I genuinely believe that by confronting our challenges head-on, we can emerge stronger and more united than ever.
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**Editor:** You mentioned that the party leadership seems to hold a dismissive view of the electorate. What do you mean by that, and how does it affect SYRIZA’s relationship with its supporters?
**Nikos Karanikas:** What I see happening is a disconnect between the leadership and the people. Some executives appear to believe they’re more knowledgeable or superior, terming the electorate as “commoners.” This elitism not only discredits the voters but also stifles genuine political engagement. The electorate wants to feel respected and heard, especially now as they rally around candidates like Kasselakis, who embodies a more relatable and unencumbered ethos. Ignoring them could alienate our supporters and weaken our party.
**Editor:** Speaking of Kasselakis, you mentioned that he represents simplicity and a lack of party dependencies. What qualities do you think he brings that resonate with the public?
**Nikos Karanikas:** Kasselakis brings an authenticity that people are craving. He is seen as straightforward and free from the entrenched party politics that often bog down traditional leaders. In a world where many politicians are bound by their affiliations and past loyalties, Kasselakis offers a refreshing alternative that appeals to a younger, diverse audience. The people want someone who reflects their struggles and aspirations, not someone weighed down by historical baggage.
**Editor:** You also remarked on the need for Alexis Tsipras to distance himself from long-time associates in order to be accepted back into the party. Can you elaborate on that?
**Nikos Karanikas:** Absolutely. Tsipras’s return could be beneficial, but it hinges on his willingness to redefine his inner circle. To truly lead SYRIZA forward, he must show that he is distancing himself from those who have been entrenched in the party for decades—not just in terms of accountability, but also in terms of ideology. A renewal of leadership is essential in fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, one that genuinely embraces new ideas and takes in the criticisms of the past.
**Editor:** where do you see SYRIZA heading if these internal conflicts aren’t addressed?
**Nikos Karanikas:** If we fail to address these issues, SYRIZA risks becoming further isolated from the electorate. The discontent could turn into an irreversible fracture, leading to diminished support at the polls. It’s crucial that we foster open dialogue, respect diverse viewpoints, and remain connected to the grassroots movements that gave birth to our party. Only through reconciliation and evolution can we regain our strength and relevance in Greek politics.
**Editor:** Thank you, Nikos, for sharing your insights with us today. Your perspective on the internal dynamics of SYRIZA offers a thought-provoking view on the challenges ahead.
**Nikos Karanikas:** Thank you for having me. I hope our discussion encourages more open conversation within the party.
