Greece’s Syriza faces defections as ex-leader launches new movement

Expected departure of at least five deputies means party set to be replaced as main opposition

Syriza, the once radical leftwing force that set Europe alight with its anti-austerity rhetoric at the height of Greece's debt crisis, is on the verge of being replaced as the country's main opposition party after the removal of its leader Stefanos Kasselakis and his decision to start a new political movement.

At least five Syriza deputies are expected to officially inform parliament on Monday of their decision to leave the party, a move that will result in the group's parliamentary presence being reduced to 30 lawmakers - one fewer than the centre-left Pasok.