Greece: new left-wing parliamentary group
Eleven MPs who recently left the main opposition party Syriza have formed a new group in the Greek parliament. It is to be called Nea Aristera (The New Left). Group leader Alexis Charitsis said on Monday that they wanted to do politics differently. Commentators have different opinions on the new group's chances of success.
Caught up in outdated ideas
This is nothing new, news website Liberal sighs:
“Sure, it's a likeable movement that shows ideological consistency and an effort to defend what it considers to be the principles of the left. However, the people who are part of it are mired in outdated ideas which, just because they were right 30 years ago, do not mean that they are relevant to today's realities. The only new aspect is the environmental one. ... And of course, the members of the new movement remain targets for attack, as they are the protagonists carrying the unfavourable legacy of the Tsipras government of 2015-2019, of which they are still proud!”
Banking on Syriza's failure
The new movement should capitalise on Syriza's weaknesses, News247 recommends:
“Past examples show that parties created through splits have not fared well. It remains to be seen whether this new venture will fare better if it capitalises on Syriza's inexorable decline under its new leader. Mr Kasselakis' irrelevance should allow it to do so. ... Just yesterday he announced his new goal, which is: 'Victory in the European elections'! ... The failure of Syriza's new leadership, visible in all areas, boosts the new movement's chances. Because, to quote the American writer Gore Vidal: 'It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail'.”