Four top SYRIZA officials speak to Parapolitika about the new political venture of Alexis Tsipras. Kostas Zachariadis, Pavlos Polakis, Nikos Pappas and Tryfon Alexiadis share their views on the decision by the former prime minister and former SYRIZA president, while Ilias Mosialos, when asked about this development, clarifies that he has shown no interest in returning to politics.
Kostas Zachariadis: “He was, is and will be one of us”
“Tsipras was, is and will be one of us,” SYRIZA press spokesperson Kostas Zachariadis tells Parapolitika, predicting there will be no conflict with Famellos. “It’s clear that a major, serious discussion is starting about how this political space can unite, overcome differences and become a majority current in Greek society. The fragmentation of the space and Androulakis’s sectarianism objectively function as golden sponsors of Mitsotakis. The question is how a process of overturning the current situation can begin. For SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance the goal is clear and specific: to be a positive, regulatory, catalytic factor for discussion and solution to the problem of space fragmentation, as well as its programmatic renewal. To contribute decisively to forming a strong progressive governmental pole. Alexis Tsipras’s decision determines developments both in the progressive space and possibly in the country’s political system. I estimate there will be no conflict between Alexis Tsipras and SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance and Socrates Famellos. In both their statements there’s the phrase ‘we are not opponents’ and this isn’t accidental, because in such difficult moments every word counts. Alexis was one of us, is one of us and will remain one of us in views, values, life stance, and understanding of politics. Our paths in this phase may not be identical, but they can be parallel and in no case opposite.”
Pavlos Polakis: Discussion about new party wasn’t happening “behind his back”
SYRIZA MP for Chania Pavlos Polakis, commenting to Parapolitika on Tsipras’s resignation, referred to his initial statement.
There he had noted:
“1) So, the discussion [about the new party] wasn’t happening ‘behind his back’.
2) Fair winds, then… (with the 5th split…).
3) To ‘travel together’ and overturn Mitsotakis’s regime, we need CLEAR TARGETS and a line of CONFRONTATION! Only this way does the corruption regime fall!
4) SYRIZA’s ship has these targets and made the proposal for progressive cooperation.
5) ALL will be judged by actions, not intentions.”
Nikos Pappas: Tsipras’s choice accelerates developments
Nikos Pappas, MP for South Sector and SYRIZA parliamentary spokesperson, states to Parapolitika: “Alexis Tsipras’s choice can accelerate developments. Because now things are crystal clear. Everyone faces their responsibilities. And it will show who really wants cooperation and who doesn’t. The direction of electoral cooperation is ‘unanimously voted by SYRIZA organs,'” he added, noting there’s a corresponding cooperation model that also provides lessons from past mistakes. “Let’s all speak with open cards. Let’s set down timetables, roadmaps and not spin a concept in public dialogue. Let an electoral cooperation be formed, let it open to the people.”
Tryfon Alexiadis: “I hope it won’t have face control at the entrance”
Tryfon Alexiadis, member of SYRIZA-PS Central Committee, commented to Parapolitika on Alexis Tsipras’s resignation as SYRIZA MP. “Surely Alexis’s resignation wasn’t a joyful event and surely we shouldn’t have learned about it from media leaks and publications. On Saturday we had a Central Committee meeting. He or anyone else could have spoken and presented their criticism or proposal. We reached a unanimous decision on political and organizational planning to implement our congress decision for creating the progressive front that will unite and express forces to claim power with a governmental proposal. If another party is created, those who follow it must explain where they disagreed with SYRIZA. And I hope the new party or entity won’t have face control at the entrance. This happens in leadership parties, lobbies and nightclubs. We await developments and support SYRIZA, because only through its strengthening will any development succeed.”
Ilias Mosialos: “I haven’t shown that politics interests me”
Very far from any possible involvement in creating former prime minister Alexis Tsipras’s upcoming new party is LSE professor of Health Policy Ilias Mosialos, minister in George Papandreou’s government, despite what has been written over time. “I’m in London dealing with my academic duties,” Mosialos characteristically tells Parapolitika, adding: “About 30 journalists have asked me and I’ve given the same answer. Does my presence or absence matter so much?” Mosialos continues meaningfully: “I haven’t shown that the country’s political life interests me. When needed, I helped, in 2009-2012 during very difficult times, but also with the pandemic, to mention just two examples.”
Published in Parapolitika
