The upcoming vote in Parliament on Tuesday for the suspension of Golden Dawn’s funding is the source of conflict within opposition leaders SYRIZA. Despite the behind-the-scenes negotiations between SYRIZA and the government, a powerful minority within opposition ranks is skeptical about supporting the government.
The skepticism became pronounced at Sunday’s central committee assembly, where SYRIZA members aligned with the Left Platform questioned the agreement and a series of other central choices, including party president Alexis Tsipras’ intentions to run for the position of president of European Committee.
Left Platform members claimed the agreement will be a “mistake” and “own goal”, with “serious consequences” and will be used “as a sponge [to wash away] the government responsibilities in Golden Dawn’s rise”. Antonis Davanelos claimed that joining New Democracy, PASOK and DIMAR will “distort the political map” and allow Golden Dawn to regroup.
Nikos Voutsis responded that the agreement should be viewed as victory of the anti-fascist movement, rather than the result of a conspiracy and that the point of the agreement is to ensure that the legislation providing the funding suspension is limited to Golden Dawn. Mr. Voutsis characteristically urged his fellow SYRIZA members to “stop feeling like some are heading downhill and being incorporated”.
