In a post on social media, Theodora Tzakri announced her departure from Stefanos Kasselakis’s party, the Democrats-Progressive Center.
Theodora Tzakri’s departure was accompanied by barbs directed at Stefanos Kasselakis, as she spoke of “red lines” that she refused to cross, which is why she is leaving the party—a party she accuses of… veering to the right.
The post in full
“Conditions have developed in the country’s political life that cloud the political path, as well as the political decisions and actions of far too many political figures.
In my own case, this rule cannot apply because for more than 30 years I have served precisely the same principles and values and have opposed anything far-right, right-wing, or neoliberal in public life.
Whether I disagreed with or agreed with political choices, my personal compass has always pointed toward patriotic socialism.
That is why, for 23 years, the people of Pella have honored me by electing me as their representative in Parliament.
When Stefanos Kasselakis, fellow members of Parliament, and thousands of members and officials from across the country to move forward with the creation of a Movement that would preserve the honor and reputation of progressive forces from dead-end and unethical party practices, I do not recall us agreeing that this grassroots effort would evolve into a leader-centered party that would align itself withthe most far-right and ultra-neoliberal elements that post-dictatorship Greece has ever known—namely, the Mitsotakis regime and its willing servants.
I made a long-standing effort to contribute from within the party to maintaining cohesion and ethical political bonds among the members of the Movement for Democracy, which was subsequently renamed, at the suggestion of its president, “DEMOCRATS-PROGRESSIVE CENTER.”
But there is a limit to everything.
There are red lines which, if we agree to cross them, make us complicit in an act of distortion—both of our founding declaration and of each and every one of our personal political journeys.
I thought long and hard before deciding that I cannot stand alongside Stefanos Kasselakis, no matter how much I want to stand alongside the thousands of members and friends of the Movement we founded.
As my political experience allows me to conclude—and as the facts demonstrate—I have reached the point where I believe that Stefanos Kasselakis legitimizes an obvious right-wing deviation, which compels me to immediately resign as Vice President and member of “DEMOKRATES” and to defend my socialist, anti-right-wing identity, forged over decades.
I would like to wish the very best to the thousands of party members and friends with whom we have shared both easy and difficult moments.
My decision stems from society’s demand for complete transparency regarding the positions and views of political figures—as expressed by society itself, not as dictated by various vested interests.
I will continue to steadfastly serve the just causes of the people of Pella and the national interest, which is the total rejection of the Mitsotakis model of governance and any opportunistic variations thereof.
I call on everyone to understand what Manos Hadjidakis meant when he said “When you get used to the monster, you begin to resemble it,” and to make a clear decision within themselves about what struggle we, as progressives, must wage—through a great progressive “WE.”
Because, after all, we will see many things happen and hear many things said; I am publicly stating my own truth and my own commitment to the demands of society.”