Tsipras names Mitsotakis as main political rival
Former Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras has identified Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as his main political opponent, playing down rivalry with PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis as he seeks to strengthen his new party ahead of the next national election.
In an interview with Cretan television station Kriti TV, Tsipras, who returned to frontline politics in May with his new party, Greek Left Alliance (ELAS), said: “My opponent is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, not Nikos Androulakis.”
Tsipras claimed that seven out of every 10 public statements by PASOK officials targeted ELAS, adding that he preferred to avoid personal attacks and daily political confrontations.
Polls place ELAS ahead of PASOK
Recent opinion polls have placed ELAS ahead of PASOK as the main opposition force behind the ruling New Democracy party.
A September survey by Pulse RC for Skai TV put New Democracy first in voting intention with 26.5%, followed by ELAS at 15% and PASOK at 10.5%.
Tsipras, who served as prime minister from 2015 to 2019 at the head of a SYRIZA-led coalition, said winning an election remained essential to achieving political change.
He also stressed the need for a substantive policy agreement among progressive forces, despite competition between parties during the pre-election period.
Tsipras calls for unity among progressive parties
The former prime minister reiterated his respect for the independence and historical role of PASOK, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and SYRIZA, rejecting suggestions that he sought to undermine or marginalise them.
“I haven’t attacked them to wipe them out, to destroy them. Never, anyone. I respect all progressive forces, their autonomy, their ability to exist. They are useful,” he said.
Tsipras argued that competition among progressive parties should focus on developing stronger policy proposals and providing more effective opposition to New Democracy, rather than exchanging daily attacks.
Greece’s next national election is due by July 2027, when the current government’s four-year term expires.
Source:Kathimerini
