“ Mitsotakis’ unjust policy is not a one-way street, there is a way out, and it is progressive," said the head of opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Sokratis Famellos on Saturday, speaking at a meeting of the Central Commitee on Relaunching the Party.
Attacking Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Famellos accused him of "choosing permanent austerity and new memorandum measures," and of systematically underfunding universities and hospital, as well as "orchestrating the violation of the Constitution and the laws through the wiretapping scandal, the Tempi crime and cover-up operation, the leaks of personal data, the attacks on journalists and, finally, the 'Truth Team' scandal. Scandals that in any other European country would bring down the government.”
Regarding the Tempi train crash, he said the government was using every means in an attempt to obscure and cover up its criminal responsibilities, including the "vengeful dismissal...at the orders of the Maximos Mansion" of train driver and trade unionist Kostas Genidounias from Hellenic Train.
Famellos also referred to progressive convergences with other leftist forces, saying: "We have called for cooperation, unity, and the recomposition of the progressive space. Because the only one who benefits from the fragmentation of progressive forces is Mr. Mitsotakis and the system that supports him. The refusals or delays of other progressive forces in dialogue and collaborations only serve the interests of the right."
Referring to the party's internal issues, he said: "Let us become a party with serious unified action and a strong voice. It is time to abolish movements. And to strengthen the currents of ideas. Our statutes will allow the synthesis of its opinions in all its organs. Let's move the discussion to the party organisations."
He also called for the abolition of provisions allowing anyone in the minority to not apply the decisions of party organs and said the powers of the president should be fully described in the new party charter, while stressing that votes by the party grass-roots should be more tightly controlled and restricted to a list that is finalised one month before the election, while also requiring a declaration of political affiliation.