Sokratis Famellos Calls for Progressive Front to Oust Mitsotakis

In an exclusive interview with Dnews.gr, Sokratis Famellos, leader of Greece’s main opposition party SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance, sets out an urgent call for unity among the country’s progressive forces.

He argues that the Mitsotakis government has lost legitimacy and that the opposition must

Famellos is clear: this is not just about preparing for the next electoral cycle. It’s about building the political momentum and structure to bring about change well before the country returns to the ballot box.

“There is no room left for delay,” he insists. “Society is demanding answers—and demanding them immediately.”

At the heart of his proposal is the creation of a broad progressive alliance, rooted in programmatic cooperation, open political dialogue, and coordinated parliamentary action. And for that to succeed, he believes SYRIZA must take the lead. “Only a strong SYRIZA-PS can guarantee the progressive way forward,” he says, describing his party as both the anchor and the catalyst of a renewed democratic movement.

He extends a clear invitation to PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis to join that effort, urging him to move beyond narrow partisan ambitions. Famellos is openly critical of PASOK’s current strategy, calling its claim that it alone can defeat the ruling New Democracy party “neither viable nor realistic.” What’s needed instead, he argues, is “a united political front that offers hope, defeats the government, and lays the foundation for a progressive and democratic renewal.”

But unity, he acknowledges, will not come easily. There are ideological divides and personal rivalries, and there’s also the challenge of bridging newer movements with established parties. Famellos signals a willingness to engage with emerging formations on the left, particularly the New Left, formed by former SYRIZA members. He notes “many shared values” with the group and stresses the need to begin joint initiatives and discussions immediately. “What matters now is not to be late,” he says. “This is the time for action.”

He is, however, more cautious—if not dismissive—about potential cooperation with Zoe Konstantopoulou, the former speaker of Parliament and leader of the “Course of Freedom” party. Her positions, he suggests, are too vague and her record too problematic to justify strategic alignment. “How can you engage in programmatic dialogue with a party that has neither concrete proposals nor clear stances?” he asks, pointing to her past rhetoric on sensitive national issues and her flirtations with far-right narratives.

Famellos also touches on speculation surrounding former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose post-leadership role in Greek politics remains a subject of intrigue. While some media reports have hinted at the possibility of Tsipras forming a new party, Famellos plays down the rumors.

He portrays Tsipras as a statesman who continues to contribute through his institute, his role as an MP, and his involvement in European political forums. “He remains part of the broader effort to reconstruct the Left,” Famellos says, but adds that SYRIZA has now entered a new chapter.

That chapter, according to Famellos, is focused on regeneration. After a difficult electoral cycle and internal soul-searching, he says the party is stabilizing and actively rebuilding its relationship with the electorate. “The people chose us to be the main opposition. That is a mandate we respect,” he says, insisting that SYRIZA is neither defeated nor in decline. “They tried to write us off. They failed. We’re here—stronger, more united, and more ready than ever.”

Famellos spares little criticism for the current government. He portrays Kyriakos Mitsotakis not just as an ineffective leader, but as the face of a “delegitimized government” plagued by scandals, economic mismanagement, and disregard for democratic norms. Referencing the Tempi train tragedy, the wiretapping scandal, and what he describes as an erosion of rule of law, Famellos is unequivocal: “Mitsotakis must resign.”

He also takes aim at the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), accusing it of entrenching itself in isolationism and refusing to heed the public’s demand for change. “It’s a mistake,” he says. “They’ve closed the door on any dialogue, and in doing so, they reinforce the status quo they claim to oppose.”

Famellos dismisses concerns over Greece’s electoral system, which currently denies the parliamentary bonus to coalitions. “If there’s political will, there are always ways forward,” he says. “We must overcome egos and focus on the bigger picture.”

As SYRIZA prepares for its upcoming party congress, Famellos outlines plans for a full internal reboot. A new “Reboot Committee” will lead efforts to open the party to society—activists, local leaders, professionals, scientists, and artists. The goal, he says, is not simply to grow in numbers but to become a more democratic, participatory, and solutions-driven political force.

Famellos closes with a note of urgency—and defiance. “The people are calling on us to unite and act. If we don’t offer a serious alternative, Mitsotakis will continue presenting the false dilemma of ‘ND or chaos.’ We won’t allow that. We have a plan. We have a vision. And we are ready to fight for it.”