During his appearance on MegaNews’ Talk with journalist T. Chatzis on December 8, 2025, SYRIZA–PS Secretary Stergios Kalpakis focused on two major themes: the farmers’ protests and developments within the progressive political space.
On the farmers’ mobilizations, Kalpakis argued that agricultural producers are facing conditions of devastation and a struggle for survival. He criticized the government for targeting farmers—“even calling them a criminal organization”—and stressed that responsibility for the current situation lies with governmental inaction, particularly regarding the handling of the sheep pox outbreak. He emphasized that the opposition must stand by the farming world and support its just demands, rejecting any notion of equal distances between the sides.
On political processes within the progressive camp, Kalpakis reiterated the need for a unified progressive ballot against New Democracy, noting that such cooperation could later evolve into a broader progressive formation. He underlined the constructive role that Alexis Tsipras could play and expressed concern that PASOK’s stance ultimately benefits New Democracy. Kalpakis argued that the progressive forces could achieve substantial programmatic convergence on most major national issues if they entered structured dialogue.
Referring to polling trends, he forecast a significantly weakened New Democracy in the next elections and warned that fragmented opposition parties competing for second place at low double-digit percentages would not offer a viable alternative. He rejected blanket criticism that all opposition parties share equal blame for today’s landscape, noting that SYRIZA–PS has consistently worked toward cooperation since 2024. Political and orderly procedures, he concluded, are essential for the left and progressive forces to find common ground.
