The statements by Alexis Tsipras on Tuesday during the presentation of “Ithaca” in Patras that PASOK cannot constitute a credible opposition have sparked extensive discussions at Charilaou Trikoupi street, which is officially preparing to launch a frontal attack against the former prime minister.
At the same time, however, main opposition officials noted in private conversations that the situation at this specific moment is complex, as the parties under formation appear to potentially be three, and no one knows where this development will lead. As they pointed out, at some point, Charilaou Trikoupi will have to redefine its position, because if after the elections PASOK, SYRIZA and Tsipras’ party each have around 25%, then they will have to assume their responsibilities toward society.
Tsipras’ “jab” at Androulakis
We should recall that Alexis Tsipras appeared particularly sharp against Nikos Androulakis from Patras, saying: “Really, can someone who leaves it open to govern with the Right challenge today’s government, as long as Mitsotakis leaves? And someone who cannot find officials to place in positions of responsibility in his party, who haven’t at some point publicly admired Mitsotakis?” was his “jab” toward the PASOK president.
Indeed, a few hours later Anna Diamantopoulou, speaking to “PONTIKI,” confirmed the former prime minister, saying: “We don’t know who will be the leader in New Democracy by the elections,” thus leaving all possibilities open. She also pointed out that the issue of party leadership would arise if he doesn’t achieve the desired electoral result.
Calm in SYRIZA regarding Tsipras and the “dig” at New Left
In SYRIZA, however, calm prevails regarding Alexis Tsipras, as on Tuesday the former prime minister avoided referring to his former comrades. On the contrary, his “fire” did not spare his old companions who held top positions in his governments and today constitute the “left” wing of New Left. “Or someone who insists on left-wing criticism and others’ mistakes, when he has never dared to even whisper about his own mistakes and failures?” was the point concerning his former travel companions.
Obviously, this reference came as a response to the decision by New Left’s Political Secretariat, which among other things left barbs for Alexis Tsipras. Specifically, the decision stated among other things that: “In this critical period, centrist, personality-centered and messianic strategies, which have already proven unsuccessful in the past, not only disorient the Left’s constituency, but also prevent giving a clear, collective and unifying response to the roots of today’s systemic problems.”
