Syriza dissenters form new party in Greek legislature

ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Left-wing dissenters from former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' Syriza party have formed a party of their own intent on resisting austerity measures.

The formation of the Laiki Enotita, or Popular Unity party, was announced by 25 Syriza members, hours after Tsipras stepped down as prime minister in a calculated action to consolidate power in a new election. Tsipras' party was elected in January on a platform of rejecting Greek austerity measures as the country sought its third financial bailout in five years; it received one, earlier this week, in exchange for a tax increase and reforms of the economy, the very promises on which Tsipras reneged.

In a statement, the breakaway legislators declared their plan to "remain true to our pre-election promises." They are led by former Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafanis.

Syriza is left with 124 members of the 300-seat parliament, with more defectors expected. The Popular Unity party is now the third-largest in the fractured body, behind Syriza and the conservative New Democracy party, which has 76. The Greek constitution allows the three largest parties in parliament three days each to attempt to form a new government; Syriza has already declined, but New Democratic leader Vangelis Meimarakis said an attempt would be made.

"We are trying to find solutions," Meimarakis said Thursday. A coalition is unlikely, and a new election, Greece's fifth in six years, will likely be required.

About one-third of Syriza party legislators voted against the terms of the bailout last week.