As the second round of elections to determine the new leader of SYRIZA approaches, the rivalry between the competing camps of Stefanos Kasselakis and Efi Achtsioglou is intensifying.
While the polarisation within the party has deepened, it is also expected that the voter turnout will be higher compared to the first round.
Efi Achtsioglou, a former labour minister, has urged newcomer Stefanos Kasselakis, who secured a surprising victory in the initial round, to address allegations that she undermined former party leader Alexis Tsipras.
Achtsioglou stressed the importance of condemning these attacks as a demonstration of political maturity, stating, “It would be a minimum sign of political culture to condemn these attacks so that we can move forward with a step that is political.”
In response, Kasselakis’s comments added fuel to the already heightened tension. He initially said, “How should I know? I have been on the front line for a month… ask people who have knowledge.” However, he later clarified, saying, “I completely believe her. I want to clarify again: In SYRIZA, I have competitors, not opponents.”
Achtsioglou also expressed concern about Kasselakis’ refusal to participate in a public debate to discuss his political positions.
Kasselakis defended his decision by stating that he had sought a debate before the first round of elections but indicated that the people’s choice had now been made.
In the midst of this rivalry, both camps have engaged in accusations and counter-accusations. Nikos Filis alleged that Kasselakis had associations with the current conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis between 2012 and 2015 and accused him of supporting the memorandum policies signed during the Greek financial crisis. Meanwhile, Giorgos Tsipras reiterated his claim that Alexis Tsipras had been undermined, asserting that Achtsioglou was aligned with those who wanted him to step down from the party leadership.
*With AMNA
