From Alexandroupoli, where he presented his book “Ithaca”, Alexis Tsipras outlined the political and ideological elements of his new political venture, effectively giving a preview of his party’s direction. The former prime minister drew on his experience from his tours across the country, stating that his contact with citizens has shown him there is “a need for something new. A fresh start that puts social justice at the center, reducing inequalities and restoring the sense of justice in society. Patriotism with terms of responsibility and solidarity. With a steady national compass. And above all, with integrity.”
Tsipras: A new movement, with all generations declaring their “presence”
Alexis Tsipras, who is said to be presenting the first signatures from officials supporting his party during the summer, outlined his project in his speech: “Through the processes of progressive coalition reconstruction, something deeper is born. A new movement. Built with the participation of young and old. With people without political background. But also others with political experience and knowledge. With all generations declaring their ‘presence’. The Polytechnic generation, the post-dictatorship transition, the Millennials, but also Gen Z, the new generation. And this participation has a spontaneous character. With self-organization. With terms of contribution.” The former prime minister also asked those present to continue the self-organization of citizens who wish to support the new venture, as his first contact with Thessaloniki citizens was particularly successful.
Reference to a new national compass
In his Wednesday speech, Alexis Tsipras opened the topic of national issues by speaking about a new national compass. He referred to our country’s stance on the war in Iran, emphasizing that it is “important, critical, existential issue for our homeland to have a national compass. One that doesn’t have its needle stuck on Washington and Berlin. That has our national interests and Europe as reference points. But can move both West and East. And North and South.” He then explained: “National compass means having the courage to say ‘no’ to the US and the use of our military installations, when their actions endanger the country and its national interests. As the Spanish Prime Minister did.”
Tsipras’ attacks on Mitsotakis: “From the right side to the strong side”
He also accused Kyriakos Mitsotakis of moving from the “right side of history” on Ukraine to discovering “the strong side of history” in the Middle East. “To be with the strong to be safe. Not with justice, our values, persistence in Greece as a pillar of stability and peace. But with the strong. And moreover, giving them a blank check.” He argued this is not a term of security but a source of many dangers, “because it makes Greece part of the involvement and a target. And decisively weakens our positions on major problems with Turkey.”
Referring to supporting the Republic of Cyprus against threats and dangers, he noted this should be the first priority for Greek foreign policy. However, he added that it is a dangerous mistake for the government and media to use rhetoric for vote-hunting reasons that leads to militarization of the island and consolidation of partition.
Alexis Tsipras emphasized that he believes the Greek Prime Minister should call for a summit of southern European countries in Crete, possibly with representatives from Arab countries and shipping representatives, to discuss the war’s impact on Europe and the Mediterranean and demand an immediate ceasefire. “This is what Mr. Mitsotakis should do if he really wants to protect free navigation.”
