ELAS steps up organization in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The Greek Left Alliance (EL.A.S.) is accelerating its organizational expansion across Greece, with the party aiming to establish local coordinating bodies nationwide by the end of September, according to regional organizational coordinator Sotiris Alexiou.
Speaking to Radio Paratiritis 94FM, Alexiou discussed the party's organizational plans, its political priorities following Alexis Tsipras' announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair, and its plans for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Party seeks new faces rather than political transfers
Alexiou said the new political formation is seeking to attract new figures, including people who have never previously been actively involved in politics.
He said the objective is to bring “freshness” to political activity and build something genuinely new, rather than reproduce the conflicts and practices of the past.
According to Alexiou, there is already significant interest in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, which he said was greater than he had expected at this stage.
“The people are out there. We have to manage to talk to them and find them,” he said, expressing confidence that EL.A.S. can present a “completely new face” in the region.
Alexiou also rejected the idea of political “transfers,” saying those joining EL.A.S. should do so without privileges and on an equal footing with the party's existing members.
Tsipras proposals and political change
Speaking about the political objective of the new formation, Alexiou said EL.A.S. is seeking not only to challenge the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis but also to change what he described as the broader way the state operates and wealth is distributed.
He argued that there is social support for political change and that EL.A.S. must mobilize citizens who are dissatisfied with the current situation.
Among the proposals announced by Alexis Tsipras in Thessaloniki, Alexiou highlighted plans for around 50,000 socially affordable homes, taxation of the wealth of the richest 1% of the population and the abolition of pharmaceutical co-payments for pensioners.
According to Alexiou, the broader objective is to strengthen Greece's productive base, increase wealth creation and distribute that wealth more fairly.
Agricultural sector a priority for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
Alexiou also highlighted agriculture and livestock farming, sectors of particular importance to the economy of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
He said EL.A.S. intends to prioritize support for high-quality Greek agricultural products. He also announced that the party's agricultural policy coordinator, Thomas Moschos, will visit the region in the coming period to meet directly with farmers and livestock breeders.
The planned meetings will focus on problems faced by producers and the practical needs of people working in agriculture and livestock farming.
Regional conferences and special plan for the region
EL.A.S. plans to hold regional conferences in every Greek region before the next elections, where the party's national programme will be adapted to the specific needs of each area.
For Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Alexiou referred to a proposal to establish a special defense-industry zone that would attract part of the European and national funding expected to be directed toward the sector.
He argued that the region has significant development potential, citing its ports, tourism sector, forests, industrial heritage and human resources.
“It is inconceivable that it has been left to its fate and allowed to decline,” Alexiou said.
He added that the regional plan would also be developed through discussions with residents, workers and professionals in the area.
EL.A.S. proposes 6% VAT on basic goods
On the issue of rising prices, Alexiou strongly criticized the government, arguing that existing mechanisms have not provided sufficient oversight of major retail chains.
EL.A.S. is proposing a reduction of VAT to 6% on basic goods, combined with a cap on profit margins at every stage of the supply chain, from production to final sale.
Alexiou argued that reducing VAT without controlling profit margins could effectively result in what he described as a “subsidy for profiteering.”
“We are organizing and moving forward to defeat New Democracy”
Summing up EL.A.S.'s current political message, Alexiou said the party's objective is to reorganize the broader democratic and progressive political camp and pursue a change of government.
“We are organizing, moving forward and going to defeat New Democracy,” he said.
Alexiou also argued that a large majority of Greek society continues to face significant economic pressures despite the country's formal exit from the bailout-era memoranda.
