Former SYRIZA MP Efi Achtsioglou discussed the possibility of political cooperation with Alexis Tsipras, stating that “nothing is set in stone at this moment.” She emphasized that politically, the space forming around the former prime minister is closest to her own political references, while stressing that the priority is establishing a strong political pole against New Democracy.
Achtsioglou: “Open” to political cooperation with Tsipras
Efi Achtsioglou, who recently left New Left party, speaking Wednesday morning (10/6) on SKAI TV continued explaining that such a political pole should have a fully oppositional program, especially on the cost of living crisis, and a clear stance supporting the rule of law, which –as she argued– has been under attack in recent years.
She characteristically stated: “Alexis Tsipras’s party has expressed these intentions. It has set a programmatic framework, though still at a general level, that creates this full opposition to New Democracy’s program and speaks of governing left. It aims for governmental change. It’s early, but these are the intentions expressed. The rest remains to be seen.”
“I don’t rule out Tsipras defeating Mitsotakis”
She did not rule out the possibility that in the next elections Alexis Tsipras could defeat Kyriakos Mitsotakis, citing social dynamics and strong public demand for political change, which – she noted – “8 out of 10 citizens” express. Efi Achtsioglou stressed that the specification of programmatic positions will play a decisive role, as many things will be determined there.
Her resignation was an independent choice
Regarding her resignation from parliament, Efi Achtsioglou reiterated that it was an independent choice, connected to her political journey and responsibility, emphasizing that she considered it consistent to give up her seat after participating in SYRIZA’s internal leadership process. As she said: “For me to act politically, I want to be in a parliamentary political vehicle.”
PASOK’s mistake in rejecting cooperation with the left
Finally, she criticized PASOK, noting that in her view it made a mistake by rejecting cooperation with the left and not proceeding with a clear programmatic opposition to New Democracy. She stated: “People are still not certain that PASOK will maintain this stance and that if pressured enough, it won’t engage in some form of coalition government or some of its officials won’t enter into such discussions. That’s why citizens rightly have their sensors up and don’t view it with absolute certainty in what it claims to represent.”
