Greece’s Main Opposition Faces Further Collapse
Welcome to this week's edition of the Planetwonk Experiences newsletter. We are thrilled to bring you a handpicked selection of engaging stories and updates.
Greece’s Main Opposition Faces Further Collapse
Greece’s left-wing opposition party, SYRIZA, is facing a period of intense internal conflict following the ousting of former leader Stefanos Kasselakis in September. Kasselakis, who now plans to launch a new political movement, has accused rivals within the party of manipulating the selection process for an upcoming congress to prevent his return. In a move that has further polarized the party, Kasselakis hinted at the possibility of forming a new party altogether. His departure has sparked a wave of resignations, including several MPs, such as Petros Pappas and Kyriaki Malama, aligning with his cause.
At a recent SYRIZA conference, tensions erupted between Kasselakis’ supporters and security forces, highlighting the growing divide. To restore order, SYRIZA’s leadership proposed the creation of a new Ethics Committee. Meanwhile, Kasselakis’s new movement is poised to advocate for moderate, progressive policies that aim to bridge the gap between left and right-wing voters. SYRIZA leadership, however, condemns the breakaway as a betrayal, and with defections continuing, the party faces significant challenges in maintaining its dominance as Greece’s main opposition force.
Greece-Turkey Relations: A Commitment to Dialogue Amid Tensions
During a European summit in Budapest, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed the importance of maintaining normal relations. While both acknowledged ongoing disagreements—particularly over the Aegean Sea’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zones—they agreed that dialogue must continue.
Recent talks between Greek and Turkish foreign ministers have underscored their differences, especially regarding maritime boundaries and the Cyprus dispute. However, both sides agreed on the need for a diplomatic mechanism to ease tensions, signaling a commitment to communication despite deep-rooted issues.
Athens Explosion: International Investigation Underway
The powerful explosion that rocked Athens’ Ampelokipi district last week, was initially believed to be caused by a gas leak, but later confirmed to be an act of terrorism. In collaboration with international intelligence agencies—including Mossad, CIA, and MI6—Greek authorities are now investigating the incident. The blast is linked to a terrorist cell, the “Company of Arcadia,” and the man believed responsible is suspected of planning an attack on the Israeli embassy.
Mossad has been particularly active in the investigation due to the rising threat against Israeli interests globally, particularly in the wake of escalating conflicts with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This investigation builds on previous joint operations, including thwarted attacks and arrests related to European protests and domestic Greek terrorism. As security ramps up at Western embassies in Athens, authorities are working closely to prevent further attacks.
Thessaloniki Holocaust Museum: A Tribute to Jewish Heritage
The long-awaited Holocaust museum in Thessaloniki, which is set to open in 2026, will serve as a powerful reminder of the city's Jewish heritage, nearly destroyed by Nazi occupation during World War II. Thessaloniki, once a vibrant center of Sephardic Jewish life, lost nearly 90% of its Jewish population to Nazi death camps, a loss that devastated its multicultural identity.
The project, spearheaded by former Thessaloniki mayor Yiannis Boutaris, has received significant financial support from Greece, Germany, and private donors. The museum will not only commemorate the city's Jewish community but also serve as a center for human rights advocacy and education about the horrors of the Holocaust. It will honor the memory of survivors like Lola Hassid Angel and those who perished, counteracting the historical antisemitism that has plagued the region.
If you enjoyed this week's round-up and would like to access exclusive premium content in the future, please consider pledging a subscription. Don't worry, you won't be charged until we enable payments, and your pledge helps us plan for the future and produce even better content.