The political secretariat of SYRIZA convened at 8:30am on Tuesday, ahead of a parliamentary group meeting, so that those disagreeing with the agreement reached in Brussels may clarify their position and intentions.
Party leader Alexis Tsipras wants to hear the objections and intentions of his officers, before making any critical decisions. So far, the Left Platform has expressed its opposition, with more MPs expected to down vote the prerequisite measures in Parliament, which are necessary for the new bailout.
SYRIZA’s spokesman in Parliament Nikos Filis called for his colleagues to support the government, in response to the ‘coup’ that was prepared by financial and political forces from abroad. Nevertheless, he argued that he will listen to his colleagues who object to the agreement. Mr. Filis also called for the President of Parliament Zoi Konstantopoulou to “facilitate” the procedures.
Independent Greeks Parliamentary Group convenes
The MPs of the Independent Greeks also called a meeting at 8:30 on Tuesday morning, in order to discuss their stance in the upcoming votes in Parliament. While party president and National Defense Minister Panos Kammenos offered his support to the Prime Minister and denounced the creditor’s stance in the negotiations, he has not clarified his position.
Mr. Kammenos noted that the agreement reached bears no resemblance to what was agreed at the council meeting of political leaders and as such, his party cannot support it. At the same time though, he noted that “the Prime Minister was unable to do otherwise, when presented with the extortionate dilemma”. Mr. Kammenos has also rejected the possibility of participating in a “so-called national purpose” government and was highly critical of New Democracy and the River.
