Famelos ramps up opposition firepower as “Ithaca” shadows SYRIZA and Tsipras’ next political steps

In the lingering shadow of “Ithaca” and the renewed debate surrounding Alexis Tsipras ahead of his book presentation at the Pallas Theatre, Socrates Famelos is unmistakably stepping up his opposition rhetoric. Over the past several days, he has appeared unusually active, aiming to demonstrate that SYRIZA is not passively waiting for the former prime minister’s next move.

Diplomatic outreach and domestic activism

Fresh from his visit to Ankara—where he attended the congress of Turkey’s main opposition party, the social democratic CHP and the party of imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—Famelos returned to Greece to focus on agricultural unrest.

During his visit to Chalastra, he met with farmers, livestock breeders and shellfish producers. A few hours later, he submitted a formal question to the prime minister, raising sharp criticism over the failure of agricultural subsidy payments, the OPEKEPE scandal, the mishandling of livestock pox, and police violence at roadblocks.

In a pointed remark, he said the prime minister should not hide behind “Frappedes and Hasapides,” insisting that he must appear in Parliament and answer for the collapse of the primary sector and the suffocation of rural communities.

Through these moves, Famelos aims to project the image of a politically autonomous, socially grounded SYRIZA, distancing himself from the narrative that the party is merely waiting for Tsipras’ decisions.

Internal tensions: Who receives the “invitation”?

Inside the party, anxiety is rising. Members and MPs are divided between those who hope to receive an “invitation”—should Tsipras form a new political vehicle—and those who fear exclusion and worry about their future within the Left.

Famelos positions himself in the middle of this battlefield, promoting the idea that SYRIZA remains alive, relevant and independent, while simultaneously keeping open the prospect of progressive alliances, including cooperation with Tsipras, but not from a subordinate role.

Nikos Pappas: “No bridges have been burned”

Despite Tsipras’ harsh criticism of him in “Ithaca”—where he is accused of impulsiveness and “unacceptable carelessness” regarding the TV licensing issue—Nikos Pappas appears eager to spearhead a new progressive coalition. In a recent interview, he proposed a clear roadmap:

declaration – program – election of a leader by the progressive, left-wing electorate.

He even hinted that Tsipras could lead such a coalition, effectively aligning himself with Famelos’ strategy of broad cooperation.

However, Tsipras’ close associates—including Nikos Marantzidis—continue to stress that the “Umbrella scenario” is not on the table. So although Pappas insists that “no bridges are cut,” the rift appears deeper than he suggests.

 Where is SYRIZA heading?

The political landscape is shaped by:

• Dual centers of political gravity, as Famelos and Tsipras operate in parallel.
• Growing uncertainty among party cadres about future alignments.
• Efforts to re-establish SYRIZA in public debate through social engagement and international outreach.
• Attempts to form a progressive front, with no clarity on who might ultimately lead it.

SYRIZA thus stands in a transitional yet decisive phase, as Famelos tries to prove that the party is not a passive spectator of Tsipras’ re-emergence but an active and autonomous actor in Greece’s political scene.

Source: pagenews.gr