Peristeri is where Alexis Tsipras is holding one of his open public events under the banner “Now We Talk” — a series of grassroots gatherings designed to foster direct communication and an open exchange of views with citizens.
The former prime minister has launched a cycle of public dialogues with society, aimed — as stated — at shaping political conclusions and proposals that respond to the real, everyday needs of ordinary people through open discussion and by recording citizens’ concerns.
Al. Tsipras: The way we will govern this country
During his address, Alexis Tsipras also touched on issues of governance. Among other things, he stated: “The way we are having conversations in the squares of this country — that is the way we want to govern, if the Greek people give us the opportunity. It will be a form of interactive communication that closes the distance between citizens and democratic power, because we want a different kind of power. It is a difficult — and, if you like, ambitious — vision, but I believe it is worth it. It is worth it, because we are living through a very difficult moment. You heard the six fellow citizens who spoke earlier, and it is very important to listen to young people with vision, with values, with determination, with genuine concern for this country, and with the will to fight for it — to stay here, to struggle, to push forward, to build better conditions. But as I have been following political developments lately, there is something very positive and something very negative. Which would you like me to start with? The positive? Very well. The positive is right here today — it is the creation of the Greek left-wing alliance. It is the creation of Ellas. Which has once again given hope and perspective. Hope. Optimism.”
Alexis Tsipras: Bribes and direct public contract awards
Former prime minister Alexis Tsipras was particularly scathing on the issue of corruption, denouncing the practices of bribery and non-competitive public contract awards. “Every euro that goes toward bribes and direct contract awards is a euro taken away from public schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.”
The demand for integrity was not brought forward by the Greek Police. It was the New Democracy government that placed integrity at the center of its platform.
The seven years they have been governing us… Just as Greeks sought freedom during the Occupation, just as Greeks sought democracy during the junta, so too in this era of widespread and deep-rooted corruption, Greeks are seeking honesty. And for that, the Mitsotakis government is responsible — not us. And this is not merely a matter of moral order. It is not only an ethical issue. Because corruption is what destroys trust, and without trust no society can function. When citizens no longer trust institutions and the justice system, democracy cannot survive without justice. And of course, neither can a healthy economy. Because corruption has a cost. It is the invisible tax that every Greek woman and man pays — one that is recorded nowhere. Every euro that goes toward bribes, direct contract awards, rigged tenders, and crooked dealings — every euro that goes there is one euro lost from a public school, one euro lost from a public hospital, one euro lost from public infrastructure. That invisible tax is one that Greek citizens must stop paying.
The event is taking place at Evangelistrias Square.
