His proposal for the shift of SYRIZA-PS to the Center-Left and the party’s inclusion in the group of Eurosocialists following a referendum was developed in his speech to the Central Committee by Yannis Ragousis.

Regarding the shift to the Center-Left, he noted: “Essentially, it means to reintroduce ourselves politically and programmatically to the labor forces, to the middle class, to the Greeks who produce and create, to innovative and extroverted entrepreneurship, to the new generation.”

Continuing, he said: “Also, turning to the Center-Left means aligning the party with the members, but mainly with the majority of progressive citizens, who identify themselves as Center-Left, and most of whom did not vote for SYRIZA PS in the 2023 dual elections.”

He then referred to his joint proposal with Thanasis Theocharopoulos and Costas Zachariadis for SYRIZA to join the European group of socialists: “The choice for the Eurogroup we will participate in is in no way a choice for who we are and what we believe. It is not an identity choice. It is a choice on which field we will fight for the Europe we want.

We will fight the battle of our ideas – our own ideas – in the great European championship of Eurosocialists or not.

And at this point I should say that this is indeed a matter par excellence of a referendum. Especially in a party that wants to define itself as a party of members.”

He also referred to the “recent, unpleasant and unfair for all of us, public debate about the finances of the party”, saying: “Given that the state funding to all parties is the money of the Greek taxpayers, natural and legal persons. I believe that the time has come for the extension of “Ι@ύγειας”, Law 3861 to the parties, as well as to the loans of politicians, especially members of the government. I therefore propose that our party take the political initiative with a specific law proposal and propose the extension of the application of “Δι@ύγειας” to the parties. And then let’s see the reflexes of ND and each Adonis Georgiadis”.

“Inter-party referendum on the integration of SYRIZA into the Eurosocialists”

An intra-party referendum on the inclusion of SYRIZA-PS in the Group of European Socialists was proposed in his speech at the meeting of the Central Committee, Thanassis Theocharopoulos.

Developing the proposal he submitted together with Costas Zachariadis and Yiannis Ragousis, he said: “Referendum to take the big decision. The word to the members. For a great Center Left. And to prove that we are a party of the members”.

He then explained: “Our goal is a strong SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance. A large progressive party from the Left to the progressive Center. With the ND and conservative policies as a strategic opponent. Without insecurities and fears we must move forward. Why now; Why if we don’t discuss it now with a dominant ND and with rates below 20% when? Why, if not before the Congress and the European elections, when will we decide after that?”
He also answered the question “why the discussion in public” by saying: “But we submitted it to the institutions and we are also discussing it in public. Because such a discussion about the official opposition party cannot but concern society”.

Regarding the reaction to the proposal of the three, he said: “We must now all respect the decisions of the majority, we respect them and we will respect them. But one MEP told us publicly that if something else is decided he will not respect it and will leave. And he said that those who believe this should go to PASOK. But it is possible, in this way he drives all the progressive people away from SYRIZA and tells them to leave. Possible; We call on the entire progressive world to form the great Progressive faction, serving the principles and values ​​of the Left.”

Finally he noted: “The attitude of President Stefanos Kasselakis today is positive as he welcomed the proposal for a dialogue ahead of the Conference. Contrary to those who said that the issue has ended. This is why we are proposing today a Referendum among the members and friends as our statute provides and as we want the members’ party and what Stefanos Kasselakis says to be put into practice. Let’s give the floor to the members. So, both at the Congress and with a referendum. Finally, we who say Center-Left say that this should be done on the basis of the principles and values ​​of the Left. That is why we support the voting of same-sex marriage and stand against the instrumentalization attempted by PASOK and anyone else.