Alexis Tsipras, who led Greece during a difficult time with its debt in 2015, has started a new political group. This group aims to fight corruption and promote fair economic growth for everyone. Tsipras, a former prime minister, was removed from power in 2019 after facing challenges with international lenders and accepting austerity measures he had opposed.
His new party, called the “Greek Left Alliance (ELAS),” was announced with a promise to bring back the rule of law and make institutions more independent. Tsipras hopes to attract voters who are unhappy with the current government due to corruption scandals, such as fraud involving EU funds and wiretapping. He stated that corruption and unfair practices are common for gaining power and wealth in Greece. Tsipras resigned from his previous party, Syriza, in 2023 after two election losses, which led to his party breaking apart.
Political observers believe Tsipras’ return might not directly challenge the current prime minister, who is facing declining support due to scandals and public anger over a deadly train crash. However, his new party could change the opposition landscape and make it harder for the current government to keep a majority. Tsipras plans to focus on social welfare, affordable housing, healthcare, higher incomes, and economic growth driven by farming and manufacturing.
The launch of ELAS follows the creation of another new party by a doctor whose daughter died in the train crash, seeking justice for the accident. Recent polls show the current government’s support has decreased, with Tsipras’s new party placing second, ahead of the main opposition party and the doctor’s new group.
With information from Reuters
