Alexis Tsipras, the leader of SYRIZA, has stepped down after 15 years of leadership (2008-2023). In the elections of 25th of June 2023, New Democracy won 40.5 percent of the vote and 158 seats of the 300 available, while SYRIZA lagged far behind with only 17.8 percent and 47 seats. The party’s crushing defeat in the elections, led to an unexpected escalation of events. Tsipras conceded loss and resigned as party leader on June 29.
In the first meeting of the party after its defeat in the election, there was the belief that issues concerning the next movements of the party would be raised. It appears that Tsipras had informed his colleagues that he had spent three days in his house thinking about his next move, the future of the party and how he could facilitate the further development of the party. Some members of the conference disagreed with his decision to resign, yet Tsipras stated that aside from the possible risks they would work together to minimize them. His position was that he should take a step back allowing the members to elect the new leader of the party.
He resigned before the Executive office of the party and later on, he publicized his decision through a statement in the press.
“I’m proud of what we achieved,” Tsipras said, with reference to the debt relief deal and the agreement of North Macedonia. “The negative election result must and should be the beginning of a new cycle.”
“I understand the need for a new wave in SYRIZA, I have decided to step aside for it to pass and propose the election of a new leader from the members of the party, following the relevant procedures. I will not be a candidate,” he emphasized.
Alexis Tsipras, former leader of SYRIZA party