SYRIZA: Kasselakis “reduced” to the Parliament as well – What changes to his privileges – 2024-09-19 09:44:29

The removal of Stefanos Kasselakis from the position of president of SYRIZA is an unprecedented development in the political scene in Greek terms. In less than a year he found himself in this difficult position, having at the same time created internal party fronts. The loss of his office, however, brought fatal many changes even in the Parliament.

In fact, at the parliamentary level that is, Stefanos Kasselakis was never the leader of the official opposition. Based on article 20 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament, the leader of the official opposition is the president of the largest parliamentary group that does not participate in the government and must be an MP. However, from the beginning he was given access to the Parliament while he was also given the office of the official opposition leader which is located on the ground floor.

At the beginning, this office was held by Sokratis Famellos as interim president. After the election of Stefanos Kasselakis, Mr. Famellos remained president of the parliamentary group. But, he was pushed to the 2nd floor in the offices of SYRIZA. The first clouds in their relationship started after the disagreement expressed by Sokratis Famellos regarding the date of the conference, which coincided with the internal party elections of PaSoK. It wasn’t long before he was deposed and replaced by Nikos Pappa. After the decisive meeting of the Central Committee, in which Stefanos Kasselakis was soundly defeated, Nikos Pappas was transferred to office 69 on the ground floor.

The defectors, the security and the entrance to the Parliament

In addition to spatial planning, there were also changes in human resources. Stefanos Kasselakis loses the secretaries while the 10 transferred employees who were charged by Sokratis Famellos and were divided among the personal choices of Stefanos Kasselakis and Mr. Famellos. But when Sokratis Famellos left this position, their contracts were automatically terminated.

According to information, in addition to those who have already announced their resignation, Nikos Pappas is in discussion with the employees to stay and continue working. The intention, as explained by associates of Mr. Pappas, is to utilize and continue their collaboration.

Changes are also being made to the security of Stefanos Kasselakis. Of the two cars that have been granted to him, he has already returned one. It is a Range Rover that was previously used by Alexis Tsipras. Although Mr. Pappas is entitled to it, he himself will not use it.

The police guard of Mr. Kasselakis can remain even for 6 months after he has lost his position. As a party leader, as experienced parliamentary officials explain, he is a target and for this reason he does not lose his status.

Regarding his entrance to the Parliament, in case Mr. Kasselakis wants to come to the Palace, he will need the special entry permit which is given by the party offices. This was done while he was president anyway.

Finally, Stefanos Kasselakis now loses the stationery that was printed for him. These are special pads and letter papers on which his name and status are written. These have already been withdrawn.