Dionysis Kalamatianos, until recently an independent MP for Ilia, submitted his resignation as a member of parliament in a letter to the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament. He was elected in 2023 with SYRIZA.
In a post on his personal social media profile, he also announced his intention to align with EL.AS. and Alexis Tsipras, thanking all the citizens who had supported him each time he stood for office.
His statement in full reads:
“With respect for the principles and values I have always upheld, I announce that I am submitting a letter of resignation as an MP to the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament.
I have spoken out publicly on this issue repeatedly for some time.
I believe that putting an end to the policies of the current government—which are responsible for high prices, widening inequalities and impoverishment, the undermining of institutions and the rule of law—requires a strong, democratic, progressive force. A political formation with the prospect of forming a government is needed to make a change of policy in a progressive direction a reality.
The Greek Left Coalition (EL.AS.) and Alexis Tsipras can rally people and bring about political change. I am aligning myself with them politically, in terms of policy and emotionally. This is a clear choice of conscience, consistency and responsibility. I thank from the bottom of my heart all the friends who have placed their trust in me and shared this journey with me over all these years.
Your participation and support have proved invaluable and give me strength and belief that we will move forward together in this next step, too.
I will remain politically and socially active, alongside all of you.
We will continue our collective action and continue to fight together for progress, for a brighter future, for a better life, for a better Greece.”
The seat will be taken by the first substitute, Zoe Anastasopoulou.