Syriza party in Greece ousts leader Stefanos Kasselakis

Stefanos Kasselakis, a political newcomer and former banker, was ousted from his leadership position in Syriza after a decisive vote by the party's secretariat. This decision followed a tumultuous period marked by declining support for the party, which had fallen to third place in polls behind the Pasok party. Kasselakis, who had taken over the party in September after Alexis Tsipras's resignation, faced criticism for his lack of ideological grounding and perceived rightwing populism, leading to a split within the party as some members formed a splinter group called the New Left. Despite his initial popularity and the backing of prominent party figures, Kasselakis struggled to unite the party and failed to establish a cohesive political team. His approach to transforming Syriza into a centrist, US-style democratic party was met with resistance from traditional leftists, who felt alienated by his leadership style. As support dwindled, even his former allies began to distance themselves, acknowledging that his leadership had not met expectations. In the aftermath of his removal, Kasselakis contested the decision and expressed a desire to remain involved in politics, hinting at the possibility of running in upcoming leadership elections. His supporters maintained that he could still establish his own political party, reflecting his enjoyment of political life. The situation has drawn comparisons to a dramatic narrative, with observers hoping for a resolution to the ongoing turmoil within Syriza. The ousting of Kasselakis marks a significant turning point for Syriza, as the party seeks to regain its footing and address the challenges posed by internal divisions and external competition. The future direction of the party remains uncertain as it navigates the fallout from this leadership crisis.