Nikos Farantouris offered a sharp response to his removal from the SYRIZA group in the European Parliament, arguing that he never chose to leave the party. His message underscored his belief that SYRIZA itself opted to dismiss its own elected representative.
His criticism focused on what he described as a rushed and unfair process, saying the decision was triggered simply because he voiced an opinion. His comments emerged after he publicly welcomed the political initiative of Maria Karystianou, something he framed as a straightforward and positive gesture.
His explanation emphasized that he attended an event with Karystianou and constitutional experts, where he stated that her involvement in politics was welcome. His view was that any progressive movement should naturally support such participation.
His frustration became more evident as he linked his expulsion to what he sees as a widening gap between SYRIZA and civil society. His argument suggested the party has drifted from the grassroots identity it once promoted.
His remarks also addressed the legitimacy of his seat, insisting that it belongs not to the party but to the Greek people and the voters who elected him. His concerns extended to the party’s future, questioning whether SYRIZA will even secure seats in the next European Parliament cycle.
His commentary further hinted at internal contradictions, noting that some colleagues have spoken about joining parties that do not yet exist. His pointed observation raised the question of how the party intends to handle such declarations.
His conclusion clarified that had he chosen to resign voluntarily, he would have viewed returning the seat as the reasonable and ethical choice. His position, however, is that no such intention existed, leaving him convinced that the party alone engineered his removal.
