Tsipras says “us or no one” as he seeks to challenge Mitsotakis
Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said his newly established Greek Left Alliance (ELAS) is the only political force capable of defeating Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, framing the next election as a choice between continued government under Mitsotakis and political change.
Speaking in an interview with SKAI on September 23, Tsipras said, “Us or no one,” arguing that his political formation has the experience and an alternative policy program needed to bring about a change in government.
Tsipras said the ELAS would seek to become the leading political force and argued that its prospects should be considered alongside those of the ruling New Democracy party. He also said he was ready to govern, citing his previous experience as prime minister.
The former prime minister's remarks come as ELAS seeks to establish itself as a major force ahead of the next national elections. Tsipras returned to the political spotlight after the formation of the new political vehicle and has positioned it as an alternative to the current government.
Tsipras leaves door open to cooperation
On possible post-election alliances, Tsipras said ELAS would pursue every possibility for cooperation with progressive political forces, provided that any coalition was based on its policy program.
He rejected the idea of a grand coalition and instead argued that Greece's political system needs two distinct poles, with a strong opposition capable of scrutinizing the government.
Tsipras also referred to the possibility of a second election, saying that a subsequent vote could clarify which political forces voters want to govern and could determine the basis for potential alliances.
Criticism of PASOK leader
Tsipras also addressed his relationship with PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.
He argued that Androulakis had been unable to defeat Mitsotakis during the three years in which he had been a central opposition figure, and contrasted this with his own claim that ELAS could challenge the prime minister.
His comments subsequently drew criticism from PASOK, which accused Tsipras of presenting an overly self-centered political narrative.
Comments on former SYRIZA lawmakers
Asked about former SYRIZA lawmakers, Tsipras said the doors of ELAS were not closed to anyone, while adding that decisions on whether sitting lawmakers would appear on the party's electoral lists would be made before the elections.
He also argued that politicians should not move from one party to another while retaining their parliamentary seats.
Tsipras comments on Samaras
Tsipras also discussed former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and the possibility of a new political party associated with him.
He said his political differences with Samaras were substantial but that he had no reason to be resentful toward a political opponent. Tsipras argued that a Samaras-led party could alter the political landscape and affect the balance between New Democracy and other right-wing voters.
Tsipras's interview comes as Greece's political parties position themselves ahead of the next national election, with the structure of potential alliances and the emergence of new political forces becoming increasingly prominent issues in the political debate.
