The troubled Democratic Left party has suffered a further blow as it was announced that MP Spyros Lykoudis and his “Reform Trend” have left the party, amid discussions of DIMAR’s future and upcoming conference. Party president Fotis Kouvelis met with Mr. Lykoudis at his office on Wednesday, with the later explaining that he was against DIMAR approaching SYRIZA. Mr. Kouvelis accepted Mr. Lykoudis’ explanations and agreed with his decision to leave.
The departure of Mr. Lykoudis, who was one of the party’s founders, means that the party will sway more towards Mr. Kouvelis, as he is expected to be unopposed in the upcoming party convention. Mr. Lykoudis’ Reform Trend will meet on Tuesday to debate its next moves, where MPs Niki Founta and Thomas Psyrras are rumored to attend. While Mr. Lykoudis is in favor of a center left union, he is cautious of potential alliances as recent efforts, such as the “Initiative of 58”, have failed.
About three weeks ago Mr. Lykoudis is believed to have met with PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos to discuss the possibility of participating in a center left conference under the banner of the “Democratic Faction”. Mr. Lykoudis is believed to have rejected the offer, suggesting it will essentially be a PASOK-focused conference.
