In the fall of 2023, Kasselakis unexpectedly rose to power as the leader of Syriza. However, the party has since been immersed in damaging internal disputes.

Kasselakis, who had previously been a trader at Goldman Sachs, drew criticism for his views on the economy, NATO, and Israel. His perspectives were deemed significantly different from those traditionally held by the left. His financial disclosures also came under scrutiny. A media showcase of his luxurious apartment in an affluent Athenian neighborhood sparked controversy, particularly as workers at the party’s newspaper and radio station had not received their salaries for several months.

In the previous November, a substantial number of members departed from Syriza to form a new political group, the New Left party. This dissent grew more pronounced following the party’s disappointing results in the European Union elections in June. Kasselakis adopted a combative approach towards the majority of the party’s members and was particularly antagonistic towards his predecessor, Tsipras.

His confrontational attitude ultimately resulted in him being barred from running for the Syriza leadership, after he issued a legal warning to the party the previous month.

As of last Friday night, four members of parliament have declared their departure from Syriza, and there are indications that around eight more could follow suit.

Before Friday, Syriza had 35 members of parliament in the Greek legislature, closely followed by the Socialists Pasok with 31 members. This means that by Monday, Pasok could potentially overtake Syriza as the country’s leading opposition party.