Politis

Farandouris Refuses to Relinquish Seat to SYRIZA: 'I Am Accountable Only to My Constituents'

Published January 7, 2026, 13:29
Farandouris Refuses to Relinquish Seat to SYRIZA: 'I Am Accountable Only to My Constituents'

MEP Nikolas Farandouris has announced that he will not hand over his seat to SYRIZA following his expulsion from the party due to statements he made regarding the President of the Association of Relatives of the Victims of 'Tempi 2023', Maria Karystianou. Mr. Farandouris states that he is accountable only to the citizens who elected him, and not to the leadership of SYRIZA. In his statement, Mr. Farandouris accuses SYRIZA of distancing itself from grassroots movements and demonizing citizen mobilization. He emphasizes that he will continue to serve the principles of justice, transparency, and equality. The expulsion of Mr. Farandouris came after his refusal to reaffirm his support for SYRIZA, despite pressure from the party leadership. Instead, he left open the possibility of collaborating with Ms. Karystianou within the framework of her announced new political party. The decision by SYRIZA to expel Mr. Farandouris and his refusal to relinquish his seat are expected to spark further debate within and outside the party.