The political spotlight turned to Thessaloniki as former Prime Minister and leader of ELAS, Alexis Tsipras, took the stage for a comprehensive press conference on the sidelines of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Tsipras outlined his policy roadmap, fielded questions on the political climate, delivered sharp critiques of the current administration, and offered a candid retrospective on his past tenure in power.
The event signaled a determined political restart centered on economic revitalization, strict internal party discipline, and a broader progressive coalition.
“A Second Chance for the Country” and Critique of the Government
A central pillar of Tsipras’s remarks was an urgent call for political change, framed deliberately outside the scope of personal ambition. “I am not asking for a second chance for myself, but a chance for the country,” he emphasized, arguing that an alternative path is urgently needed to tackle widening social inequalities and systemic corruption.
Directing sharp criticism at the administration of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Tsipras contended that extending the current government’s mandate offers no viable solutions to mounting socioeconomic pressures. He stressed that a change in leadership is a critical prerequisite for economic recovery and societal relief, urging not only the traditional left but all democratic citizens to unite behind a new governing alternative.
Economic Strategy, Cost of Living, and Productive Recovery
Significant focus was placed on economic policy and concrete measures to address the surging cost of living. Alexis Tsipras laid out the core components of his economic plan, emphasizing wealth creation, productivity growth, and targeted public support for strategic domestic industries.
Addressing inflation and energy prices, he criticized recent hikes in electricity costs and the persistence of energy poverty, attributing these pressures to delays in infrastructure and storage modernization. He called for direct regulatory mechanisms to curb price spikes on staple consumer goods, arguing that real income growth can only occur if the purchasing power of households and small-and-medium enterprises is vigorously shielded from unchecked market margins.
Party Building, Candidate Selection, and Political Alliances
Reporters pressed Tsipras on the organizational blueprint of his newly formed political entity, its staffing, and its criteria for expansion. He firmly rejected opportunistic political maneuvers and transactional partnerships, clarifying that membership is grounded in shared principles rather than political deal-making.
“I do not believe in high-profile political transfer spectacles,” Tsipras stated, noting that flash-in-the-pan recruitment drives offer little substantive value and often undermine political credibility. He insisted that the sole prerequisite for joining is signing the founding declaration and committing to selfless public service. When asked about public commentary from independent intellectuals and contributors to the movement’s platform—such as Mr. Siakantaris—Tsipras noted that independent voices from the broader social democratic and leftist spheres retain full intellectual autonomy and operate without top-down party constraints.
Retrospective on 2015–2019, Self-Criticism, and Combating the Far-Right
Reflecting on his previous administration from 2015 to 2019, Tsipras delivered a calculated self-critique. He maintained that his previous term was carried out under severe fiscal and institutional constraints imposed by international bailout agreements, operating effectively with “the troika —Greece’s international creditors— as co-governor” to prevent national bankruptcy.
At the same time, he acknowledged past shortcomings in managing internal party personnel. “Regarding my experience and journey, I learned my lesson. Too often I tolerated personal agendas—that will not happen again,” he stated, making clear that his new endeavor will demand strict discipline, cohesion, and total focus on collective goals.
Addressing the rise of far-right movements across Europe and within Greece, Tsipras warned that passive observation is inadequate. He cautioned that when mainstream politics projects the cynical notion that “all politicians are the same” and fails to present distinct policy alternatives, it creates fertile ground for extremist political forces to exploit.
Public Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
Substantial attention was also given to the National Health System (NHS). Tsipras warned that Greece’s public healthcare infrastructure is enduring one of its most severe structural crises, citing staff shortages of more than 20,000 doctors and nurses, stagnant public sector wages, and an alarming surge in out-of-pocket medical expenses for everyday citizens.
On regional infrastructure, Tsipras pointed to critical projects across Northern Greece and the country’s periphery. He defended the construction milestones achieved on the Thessaloniki Metro during his tenure, while taking aim at current project delays and contractor disputes on key highway corridors, including Crete’s Northern Highway (BOAK). In conclusion, he reiterated that citizen safety and resilient public infrastructure must consistently take priority over short-term political messaging.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
