In Peristeri, former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras appeared at an open public event organized by his new political party, the Hellenic Left Coalition (ELAS), under the banner “Now We Speak.” The event is part of a broader series of grassroots gatherings where Tsipras aims to engage directly with citizens—exchanging views to shape concrete policy proposals with immediate relevance to people’s daily lives.
A Warm Welcome and Sharp Political Barbs
Tsipras arrived at Peristeri’s Town Hall Square to enthusiastic applause. Speaking from the stage, he addressed a wide range of social concerns—from economic hardship to democratic participation. Among his remarks was a pointed response to recent comments by Adonis Georgiadis, New Democracy’s deputy leader and former minister, who had referred to Tsipras as the “dirtiest” prime minister in modern Greek history.
Dismissing the remark as politically irrelevant, Tsipras quipped: “Every time Adonis Georgiadis insults us, we gain one point in the polls. I should send him flowers.”
Core Principles and Democratic Vision
Reiterating ELAS’s foundational ethos, Tsipras declared: “Our slogan is: ‘With society, for society, from society.’” He emphasized that the initiative is not about delivering top-down instructions, but rather listening: “We didn’t come here to tell you what to do—we came so you can tell us what to do.”
He also stressed the importance of a functioning two-party system, stating, “The political system cannot function without two poles.” Criticizing the current government, he added that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is actively promoting “Adonism”—a reference to Georgiadis’s influence within the ruling party.