Polakis accuses Tsipras of plotting to dissolve SYRIZA

During a Central Committee meeting of SYRIZA on 18 July, MP Paulos Polakis launched a sharp attack on former party president and ex‑prime minister Alexis Tsipras. Polakis alleged that Tsipras is pursuing a “re‑branding” strategy by creating the new party ELAS and that the ultimate goal is the dissolution of SYRIZA. He claimed Tsipras wants SYRIZA to fall to about 1 % of the vote while ELAS seeks 17‑20 % to become a parliamentary alternative. Polakis praised Renia Dourou, elected president of SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, and warned that the party must adopt a clear programme to remain viable. The accusations were repeated in several Greek media outlets and an article from Cyprus also reported the speech. The dispute reflects growing internal tensions within SYRIZA over its future direction and its relationship with the emerging ELAS movement.