Syriza Faces Mass Defections to Tsipras' New ELAS Party

Greek centre-left party Syriza is entering a phase of rapid disintegration as dozens of MPs and party officials are expected to quit and join the newly formed ELAS party led by former prime minister Alexis Tsipras. Internal analyses suggest that recent Central Committee decisions have accelerated resignations, with estimates that up to ten parliamentarians could leave before autumn. The departures are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the progressive front against the governing New Democracy, with Syriza’s leadership arguing that supporting ELAS aligns with its long‑term goal of re‑uniting left‑wing forces.

The shift has sparked debate within Syriza about whether the party should maintain an independent course or fully back ELAS, which polls show is rapidly gaining voter support while Syriza’s own numbers hover below 2 %. The internal crisis is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as more members file their resignations and the balance of power within the parliamentary group changes.