In his first interview since founding the Greek Left Coalition (ELAS), former Prime Minister and ex-SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras spoke late Thursday afternoon (25.06.2026) on Alpha TV’s main news bulletin. He presented ELAS as a response to what he described as a growing void in Greece’s political system—and particularly within the broader progressive space.
‘One-party rule is not healthy for democracy’
“The country has been moving forward in recent years with just one party—and that is not good for our democracy,” Tsipras said, arguing that the absence of a strong opposition has made the current government “more arrogant.” Early polling data showing ELAS registering solid support, he added, suggests this gap may now begin to close.
A new chapter—not a continuation
When asked whether he made the right decision in leaving SYRIZA, Tsipras said a historic political cycle had come to an end. “That historic cycle of SYRIZA has closed—and at that point, I felt my own cycle had also closed,” he explained, clarifying that he isn’t trying to pick up where he left off. “I’m opening a new chapter—with new people, but the same values,” he stressed, emphasizing the goal of uniting wider progressive forces.
‘Governing Left—not protest Left’
Tsipras insisted his return to active politics isn’t about chasing poll numbers or personal rehabilitation. “I didn’t return to record percentages. I want to be useful to the country,” he said, adding: “We aim to be a governing Left—not a Left of protest.”
According to him, ELAS aims to offer a “realistic governance proposal” and engage citizens on practical solutions to everyday problems—not abstract ideology.
Closing the gap with New Democracy
Tsipras assessed that Greece’s political landscape is entering a new phase. While New Democracy (ND) enjoyed a consistent double-digit polling lead since 2016, he noted that “the gap is closing.”
“We’re returning to a system of strong political poles,” he said—though he called this only “half the goal.” The other half, he emphasized, is “victory for political change.” Despite promising early poll results, he declined to declare success. “I don’t want to say we’ve succeeded. We still have a lot to do,” he cautioned.
‘I have no ambition’
Speaking candidly, Tsipras said he isn’t returning out of personal ambition. “I have no desire or ambition. I lost, I left—but with my head held high. I can walk down the street. No one accuses me of dishonesty,” he said.
“It’s not my goal to return and become party leader again. My goal is to be useful to a country that’s suffocating today,” he added.
Asked what he’d do if the ELAS project fails, he replied: “There are defeats that make you wiser.”
Relations with SYRIZA
On the relationship between ELAS and SYRIZA—and the possibility of participation by figures from SYRIZA’s headquarters on Koudouriotou Street—Tsipras did not elaborate further in the excerpt provided.