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Former prime ministers are stirring Greece's political pot - DW - 11/02/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 12:32 GMT by dw

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Former Prime Ministers Stir Greece’s Political Pot

In a political landscape still haunted by the 2015 debt crisis, Greece’s former leaders are proving that their influence is far from waning. A recent piece by Deutsche Welle highlights how two former prime ministers—Antonis Samaras of the center‑right New Democracy and Alexis Tsipras of the left‑wing SYRIZA—continue to shape public discourse, pressuring the current administration of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and setting the stage for a potentially volatile parliamentary election.

The Aftermath of a Crisis

When the eurozone bailout program was signed in 2015, Greece was thrust into a dramatic struggle between austerity and social welfare. The election that followed saw Tsipras’s SYRIZA win a narrow victory, promising a renegotiation of the debt and an end to the austerity measures imposed by creditors. By 2019, after a series of unpopular compromises, SYRIZA had lost to Mitsotakis’s New Democracy, a party that pledged a return to market‑friendly policies and fiscal discipline.

The 2023 parliamentary election, scheduled for early October, promises to test the durability of Greece’s fragile democracy. In this climate, the political “pot” is being stirred by former prime ministers who remain vocal critics of the status quo.

Antonis Samaras: The Veteran Voice

Antonis Samaras, who governed Greece from 2009 to 2015, has been a perennial thorn in Mitsotakis’s side. While Samaras is no longer in the spotlight, his commentary remains influential among New Democracy supporters and the broader right‑leaning electorate.

In recent interviews, Samaras criticized Mitsotakis for being “too soft” on the EU’s debt‑management rules. He argued that the current government’s emphasis on “European solidarity” had eroded Greece’s sovereignty and that a more assertive stance was needed. Samaras also accused Mitsotakis of diluting New Democracy’s core principles in favor of political expediency—a stance that has resonated with a segment of voters who feel the party has lost its ideological footing.

Samaras’s remarks have sparked a debate within New Democracy’s ranks. Some leaders, such as the party’s finance minister, have denied that Samaras’s views are being promoted, while others see his criticisms as an opportunity to re‑assert the party’s hard‑line economic stance. The former prime minister’s comments have been shared widely on social media, where they continue to ignite polarized reactions among Greek citizens.

Alexis Tsipras: The Resurgent Maverick

Alexis Tsipras, who led Greece through the most turbulent years of its modern history, remains a polarizing figure. In a series of press statements, Tsipras warned that the current administration was “sowing the seeds of a future crisis” by over‑relying on European aid and cutting public services. He urged the left‑wing electorate to rally around SYRIZA, promising a platform that would challenge the economic policies of Mitsotakis.

Tsipras also highlighted a “structural problem” within the Greek electoral system, calling for reforms that would grant greater representation to smaller parties. He criticized the “elitist” nature of the political establishment and promised to restore “democratic values” to the political arena.

The former prime minister’s speeches have been broadcast on national television, where they have drawn large audiences. In an interview with a popular Greek talk show, Tsipras reiterated his belief that the country’s future depends on a more egalitarian economic model. He suggested that a coalition of left‑leaning parties could offer a viable alternative to Mitsotakis’s New Democracy, thereby raising the stakes for the upcoming election.

The Broader Context

Deutsche Welle’s article also points to other political actors who are shaping Greece’s political narrative. For instance, the piece links to a recent interview with former foreign minister, where discussions about EU relations and the role of national sovereignty surfaced. The link to the “Greek elections 2023: What’s at stake?” article provides deeper insights into the economic and social challenges facing voters.

Additionally, the article references an in‑depth profile of the new coalition formed by left‑wing parties, which includes the Greens and the Communist Party. The profile, hosted on the DW site, discusses how this coalition is attempting to tap into the frustration of younger voters, who are increasingly disillusioned with the existing political establishment.

A Brewing Storm

What emerges from the DW piece is a clear picture: the former prime ministers are not merely nostalgic figures. They are actively engaging in the political arena, challenging the incumbent government’s policies, and offering alternative visions for Greece’s future. Their statements, amplified by media coverage and social networks, add layers of complexity to an already contentious political environment.

As Greece edges closer to the 2023 elections, the “stirring” of the political pot by Samaras and Tsipras could have far‑reaching consequences. If the electorate embraces their messages, the current government may face a formidable challenge; if they fail to resonate, the political establishment may continue to consolidate its power.

The DW article underscores the importance of monitoring these developments. By providing a platform for former leaders to voice their concerns, the media ensures that Greece’s political discourse remains dynamic and contested. The forthcoming election will test whether the voices of former prime ministers will resonate enough to shift the balance of power—or whether they will merely echo in the margins of Greece’s political theater.