Tsipras sets government change as goal and criticises Greece’s energy policy

Speaking on SKAI’s “Simera” programme on September 23, Tsipras said the central electoral objective of ELAS was “political change” and the departure of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government. He also defended the costed nature of the economic programme he presented at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Tsipras: “Either us or no one”
Tsipras said ELAS’s stated electoral objective was to bring about a change in government and policy.

“Our electoral goal is political change. Our goal is for the Mitsotakis government to leave,” he said, arguing that its policies do not serve the interests of what he described as the majority of Greek society.

He also presented ELAS as the political force he believes has the governing experience and an alternative programme necessary to bring about such a change.

“Either us or no one,” Tsipras said, while arguing that voters would ultimately face a choice between continuation of current policies and a change in direction.

He said a strong opposition and clearer political alternatives were necessary, while expressing opposition to a broad coalition among the main political forces. According to Tsipras, such an arrangement could create political space for the far right.

Criticism over fuel and energy prices
A major part of the interview focused on rising fuel and energy prices.

Tsipras argued that the government had known for some time that international developments could put further pressure on oil and natural gas prices but had not taken sufficient preventive measures.

He pointed to fuel taxation, refinery profits, natural-gas supplies and energy storage as areas where he said the government could intervene.

Tsipras repeated proposals he had put forward the previous day, including a cap on refinery profit margins, an exceptional tax on refinery windfall profits, a reduction in the excise duty on fuel and a reduction in VAT on fuel. His own proposal published on September 22 called for heating oil to be capped at €1.40 per litre and diesel at €1.80 per litre.

He also questioned whether sufficient natural gas had been purchased during the summer, when prices were lower, and whether the government had advanced plans for battery storage of solar energy.

Tsipras said Greece could face additional pressure from energy prices during the winter because of Europe’s dependence on natural gas.

Economic programme and taxation
Tsipras again defended the economic programme presented by ELAS at the Thessaloniki International Fair, saying that its measures had been costed and could fit within the available fiscal space.

The programme includes proposals on energy, taxation, public services and household costs. In its own presentation, ELAS has proposed measures including a minimum guaranteed quantity of electricity at a stable price and an average reduction of 30% in electricity bills.

Tsipras also expanded on his proposal for what he calls a “patriotic contribution,” arguing that Greece’s wealthiest households should make a greater contribution to public finances.

He referred to more than 70 wealthy families whom he said hold a significant share of the country’s wealth and argued that wealth should be assessed not only through income but also through property, deposits and shares.

Tsipras discusses opposition parties and elections
Asked about cooperation with other political forces, Tsipras said ELAS would seek cooperation with progressive parties after an election, based on its political programme.

He said that if such a government could not be formed, he would favour a second election.

Tsipras also discussed PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, saying that he had previously had an opportunity to challenge Mitsotakis politically and expressing hope that PASOK would strengthen its position.

On the possibility of former prime minister Antonis Samaras establishing a new party, Tsipras said such a development could affect the political balance within the conservative electorate and the New Democracy space.

He also said he considered it possible that Mitsotakis would not seek or secure a third term as prime minister, although this was presented as Tsipras’s own political assessment rather than an established outcome.

Tsipras on the far right and Kasidiaris
Tsipras also addressed the possible return of former Golden Dawn figure Ilias Kasidiaris to political activity.

He argued that Kasidiaris should not be presented simply as a political or media personality and referred to the criminal convictions of Golden Dawn members in connection with violent attacks and murders.

Tsipras specifically referred to the murder of Pavlos Fyssas and Pakistani migrant Shehzad Luqman, as well as attacks attributed to members of Golden Dawn.

He also criticised what he described as links between elements of the Greek right and the far right, while calling for clarity over the future political role of Kasidiaris.

“Our doors are not closed”
Asked whether former Syriza figures could join ELAS, Tsipras said the party was open to experienced politicians as well as new figures.

“Our doors are not closed to anyone,” he said, while adding that ELAS would not seek to create a parliamentary group by recruiting MPs from other parties.

Instead, he said the party’s parliamentary representation should come through voters’ support.

Tsipras’s interview comes amid an intensifying political debate in Greece over fuel prices, household costs and the policy alternatives being presented ahead of the next national election.