Polls show Tsipras as leading opposition figure against conservatives
Former prime minister Alexis Tsipras is emerging as the most credible opposition figure to Greece’s ruling conservatives, according to recent opinion polls. The findings suggest that the leftist leader, despite his political hiatus, could surpass PASOK as the country’s main opposition force if he were to launch a new party.
Although Tsipras stepped down as SYRIZA leader in 2023 and has not officially declared plans for a political comeback, public sentiment appears to favor such a move.
A GPO survey released over the weekend found that 19.5% of respondents would consider voting for a new party led by Tsipras. Similarly, a Real Polls survey published on July 16 showed 18.1% support for a potential Tsipras-led formation.
In contrast, former conservative prime minister Antonis Samaras—also rumored to be eyeing a return with a new political vehicle—registers significantly lower levels of support. The same GPO poll found that only 7.9% would back a party led by Samaras, while Real Polls showed even lower support at 7.1%.
Despite his weaker polling numbers, analysts note that Samaras could still pose a threat to the ruling New Democracy party by appealing to disillusioned right-wing voters and drawing support away from far-right groups such as Greek Solution, Niki, and Voice of Reason.
Political observers say Tsipras’s continued popularity underscores a leadership vacuum within the broader opposition space, and signals potential turbulence ahead as Greece prepares for a new political cycle.
