SYRIZA leader and former prime minister Alexis Tsipras on Tuesday evening said he initially considered resigning from the party’s helm in the wake of a catastrophic showing by the leftist party (20.1 percent) in the May 21 election, while adding “I didn’t have the right to desert”.

Reactions caused by George Katrougalos' statement about the insurance contributions were immediate and came in droves, resulting in the former minister's withdrawal from the elections after communication with party leader Alexis Tsipras.

The mention of Alexis Tsipras that he wants to "win over" former Golden Dawn voters caused upheaval and political shock.