The show is over, it’s time for real politics
I recall the 1970s, a time when many left-leaning individuals who held a sympathetic view toward the Eurocommunism experiment were cautious regarding its Greek representative, the KKE of the Interior. Consequently, some peripheral movements emerged, although they comprised significant figures. Their primary reservation, succinctly expressed, was that “you can’t make a new shoe out of old leather.” In the realm of politics, proverbs often oversimplify and are unjust, yet they still conceal elements of truth. I also remember the famous 2004 slogan, “George, change everything.” Ultimately, PASOK’s George Papandreou couldn’t effect any substantial change due to both his personal limitations and the absence of suitable associates by his side. On the contrary, he was burdened with all the old, conservative and bureaucratic elements that had supported him during the party leadership elections of 2007. Subsequently, these individuals, known as the “deep PASOK,” opposed every reform proposal when Papandreou ascended to the position of prime minister, ultimately contributing to his downfall three years later.
I foresee a similar scenario unfolding within the main SYRIZA opposition. I am not familiar with the new leader’s capabilities beyond his apparent communication skills. Likewise, I am unaware, as I presume many of us are, of his political beliefs and the guiding principles within which he intends to operate. What we do know for certain is the identity of those who supported him to prevail over his opponent. Unfortunately, these supporters do not have a good name; their political history is marred by actions that led their party to a recent electoral defeat. It is customary for those who assist a politician in winning a pivotal battle to later claim their share of the victory.
Consequently, regardless of how many innovative ideas the new leader of the so-called radical Left may possess, his environment is likely to obstruct their implementation. The drama of “George, change everything” is poised to repeat itself.
Given these circumstances, I believe that the ideological transformation of SYRIZA is unfeasible. It has been and will remain a party of the radical Left and of social critique. Those who envision its evolution into a modern social democratic party not only disregard the political space it occupies but also the very essence of that space. If the new leader has Wall Street in his political DNA, nearly all SYRIZA members resonate with the Genoa protests. This is who they are. Those who voted for Stefanos Kasselakis in the hope that he alone could defeat Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the conservative prime minister, made a leap in their reasoning. To overcome Mitsotakis, he will have to make compromises that many within the party cannot tolerate. These impasses will become apparent when the new leader transitions from the realms of communication and parapolitics to the depths of realpolitik.
