Greek left is splitting

The Greek left-wing coalition Syriza is splitting after an internal power struggle in which leader Stefanos Kasselakis is accused of resorting to Trump methods.

Syriza, which was in power between 2015 and 2019, had hoped to return to power in June but was only supported by just under 18 percent of voters.

Leader Alexis Tsipras, former prime minister, accepted his responsibility and resigned. The real chaos didn’t start until his successor was to be named in September and 35-year-old Stefanos Kasselakis was surprisingly chosen as the new leader ahead of favorite Effie Achtsioglou.

Kasselakis, a businessman, openly gay for most of his life living in the United States, has not taken the entire coalition by storm. On the contrary.

Left the hall

The infighting has taken place and last week Kasselakis announced that he wanted to expel three prominent members, all of whom belong to the left-wing phalanx Umbrella.

When that failed, he proposed a membership vote, which in turn led to a violent debate in which the leader’s speech was constantly interrupted by boos and expletives.

Both the members of Umbrella and those supporting Effie Achtsioglou left the room before the vote could be held.

Breaking out

A day later, Paraply, which is led by former finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos, announces that the phalanx is breaking away from the coalition. Kasselakis is accused of right-wing populism and compared by representatives to former US President Donald Trump and the Italian populist Bepe Grillo.

Umbrella has not come out with its exact future plans, but is believed to be forming a new party.

Another faction, Achtsioglou’s 6+6, is staying in Syriza for the time being, but issued a statement on Sunday condemning Kasselakis and his “deeply insulting and divisive speech” and accusing the leader of belonging to the alt-right.