Movement for Democracy (Greece)
Movement for Democracy Κίνημα Δημοκρατίας Kínima Dimokratías | |
---|---|
President | Stefanos Kasselakis |
Founded | 23 November 2024 |
Split from | SYRIZA |
Headquarters | Tavros, Athens |
Membership | 30,000 [1] |
Ideology | Pro-Europeanism[2] |
Political position | Centre-left[2] |
Colours | Purple |
Website | |
kinimadimokratias.gr | |
Movement for Democracy (Greek: Κίνημα Δημοκρατίας, romanized: Kínima Dimokratías) is a political party formed in Greece on 23 November 2024 by the former leader of Syriza, Stefanos Kasselakis after the party's extraordinary congress refused to approve his candidacy in the internal elections.[3] "Movement for Democracy" founding declaration was signed by, among others, 5 independent MPs, former members of the Syriza parliamentary group.[4]
History
Syriza and Kasselakis
Following Syriza's disappointing performance in the May and June 2023 legislative elections, Alexis Tsipras, its long-time leader, stood down from his position. In the following leadership election, Kasselakis as an outsider candidate was elected to succeed Tsipras.[5] Kasselakis set about moving the party towards the centre, a controversial move which led to several figures leaving Syriza and the formation of party splits, including New Left.[6]
Internally, Syriza faced a crisis when key officials of central committee of the party attempted and succeeded to oust Kasselakis as party leader on accusations of "autocratic behavior".[7] Kasselakis attempted to stand as a candidate in the new leadership election,but was barred.[6]
New party
After his ousting from Syriza, Kasselakis announced he would be forming a new political project. Initially nameless, he put the name of the party up for a vote.[8] On 23 November, he launched the name of the party as Kínima Dimokratías (transl.: Democracy Movement).
References
- ^ Kasselakis for the Movement for Democracy: "We have 30,000 members, the goal is 100,000 in 2025" (in Greek)
- ^ a b "Greece". Europe Elects. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
- ^ Sleed (23 November 2024). "Η πρώτη ανάρτηση Κασσελάκη: "Το Κίνημα Δημοκρατίας είναι η Ιστορία που γράφουν οι πολλοί" - Documento". www.documentonews.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Democracy Movement: The five independent MPs who signed the founding declaration(el)
- ^ Smith, Helena (25 September 2023). "Stefanos Kasselakis: ex-banker who lit up Greek politics to lead Syriza". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ a b Smith, Helena (10 November 2024). "Greece's Syriza could lose status as main opposition as Kasselakis launches new party". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Stefanos Kasselakis Ousted by Syriza Amid Party Tensions
- ^ "Stefanos Kasselakis announces new party in Greece after leaving Syriza". euronews. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.