The days of SYRIZA now resemble quicksand, with developments running at a speed that exceeds even the boldest predictions of industry analysts.
Koumoundourou now seems under siege, where the next day is not only uncertain, but seems to have already been prescribed in closed offices and strategic planning outside its walls. The central figure in this current juncture is none other than Paul Polakis, who now appears as the frontrunner to take the keys to the party, in a move many describe as the latest act in a drama that began years ago.
The explosive Chania MP looks like the last person who can hold the reins of a collapsing formation, at the same time as Alexis Tsipras prepares for the big comeback, leading a number of cadres to declare their decision to follow him.
Indicative of what Simeon Kedikoglou and Andreas Panagiotopoulos MPs said yesterday, with the former even making the assessment that “there is a mood among the majority of SYRIZA MPs to join Tsipras’s project”. “I will be with Tsipras, either way”, the other MP said for his part.
However, the leaks coming out of Amalias Street are more than obvious and show a well-thought-out strategy. The qualitative data from the latest polls, which are analysed with religious piety, show that the left-wing base, tired of divisions, internal strife and lack of clear direction, is desperately seeking unity. This unity, according to the same sources, can only be achieved under the leadership of Tsipras, regardless of whether it was he who broke up the space.
The change of baton in SYRIZA seems to be a matter of time and will be the next move after the former prime minister officially announces the new party.
At the moment, however, it is unknown through what procedures this may happen. Alexis Tsipras’ strategy in recent times has been characterized by a clear and strong left turn.
Political observers believe that the goal is to sweep up anything that moves in that space, absorbing the splits, smaller parties and personalities that have occasionally left Syriza. In this context,Pavlos Polakis’ assumption of leadership seems a one-way street for Koumoundourou, since he can rally the party’s hard core and keep whatever structures remain active.
