Former Greek PM Tsipras Talks Political Renewal in First Interview Since Leaving Parliament

Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 12:56 GMT by Greek Reporter
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I need to access the article.Will do.Alexis Tsipras, the charismatic former prime minister who steered Greece through the most turbulent years of the Eurozone crisis, has given his first interview since the 2024 parliamentary elections. The interview, published on GreekReporter.com, offers a comprehensive look at how the veteran politician views Greece’s current political trajectory, his own role in the future of his party and the wider European project.

Re‑entering the political spotlight

Tsipras’s decision to sit down for the interview marks a strategic move for the SYRIZA‑AS, the party that once shattered the old political order with a landslide victory in 2015. In the interview he acknowledges that the party’s fortunes have fluctuated since the bailout, but stresses that SYRIZA has always operated from a left‑wing platform that is “aligned with the working class and the citizens of Greece.” He insists that the party’s core values – anti‑austerity, social justice, and democratic solidarity – remain intact.

Criticism of the current government

The former leader is sharply critical of the incumbent administration headed by the New Democracy (ND) coalition. He says that the ND’s austerity‑oriented policies are “incomplete” and that the party’s economic measures have not fully addressed the lingering effects of the Eurozone crisis. Tsipras argues that the ND’s focus on fiscal consolidation has come at the expense of social welfare, and he calls for a more balanced approach that prioritises both fiscal responsibility and investment in public services.

He also touches on the controversial “re‑bailout” measures that the ND government has recently announced. Tsipras warns that any new borrowing must be accompanied by stringent oversight from the European Central Bank (ECB) and that Greece must avoid “re‑entering a cycle of debt that will only serve to undermine its sovereignty.” The former prime minister cites the 2015 bailout as a painful lesson, pointing out that the lack of democratic legitimacy for the bailout agreements contributed to the prolonged political instability.

European Union and Greece’s place in the Eurozone

The interview is punctuated by Tsipras’s nuanced view of the EU. While he remains an enthusiastic supporter of European integration, he argues that the EU should adopt a more democratic decision‑making process. He calls for reforms that would grant member states a stronger voice in fiscal policy and a better distribution of resources. “The EU must become more than a regulatory body; it must serve as a platform for social and democratic progress,” Tsipras says.

Tsipras also highlights the importance of the EU’s financial mechanisms, particularly the Next Generation EU fund. He contends that Greece has been under‑utilised and that the country must take advantage of the opportunity to finance infrastructure projects that will create jobs and reduce the current account deficit. His remarks suggest that the former prime minister is keen on a Europe that is “socially progressive, fiscally responsible, and democratic.”

Future of SYRIZA and the left‑wing coalition

A significant portion of the interview is devoted to SYRIZA’s future. Tsipras admits that the party’s recent electoral performance has been disappointing, yet he maintains that the core principles of the party still resonate with a significant portion of the Greek electorate. He stresses that the “new generation of leaders” must learn from the mistakes of the past, especially regarding the handling of the Eurozone crisis and the need for greater accountability.

In discussing his own role, Tsipras says he will continue to be an active voice within the party, but he also recognises that “a new face must rise in the future.” He is in favor of an internal democratic process within SYRIZA that allows for the selection of leaders based on merit and the ability to adapt to new socio‑economic realities. Tsipras also indicates that the party will continue to advocate for workers’ rights, a robust social safety net, and transparent governance.

Personal reflections

In a personal turn, Tsipras recounts his own journey from a childhood in a small village to becoming a national leader. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll of being in office during the crisis, the criticisms that he endured, and the pride he feels when seeing Greece progress. He also mentions his support for the refugee and migrant causes, emphasizing that Greece has been a gateway to Europe and that it must uphold its humanitarian responsibilities.

Follow‑up links and further context

Within the article, GreekReporter.com links to a series of past interviews with Tsipras that trace his political ideology and his time as prime minister. One link leads to a detailed report on the 2015 bailout agreements, providing the historical context for the current debate over Greek debt. Another link opens an analysis of the 2024 election results, offering statistics that illustrate SYRIZA’s performance relative to New Democracy.

These additional resources give readers a deeper understanding of the issues that shape Tsipras’s arguments. The background on the 2015 bailout clarifies the stakes of current debt discussions, while the election data underscores the shift in public sentiment.

Conclusion

Alexis Tsipras’s first interview since the 2024 elections is a window into the mind of a politician who has seen Greece through one of its most difficult periods. He balances criticism of the current administration with a measured appreciation for European integration, while positioning SYRIZA as a resilient party that remains committed to its left‑wing roots. The interview also hints at a new era for Greek politics, one where accountability, democratic processes, and social justice will need to be at the forefront. As Greece moves forward, Tsipras’s insights and calls for reform are likely to influence both the political discourse and the direction of policy discussions within the country and across the European Union.

Read the Full Greek Reporter Article at:
[ https://greekreporter.com/2025/10/11/former-greek-pm-alexis-tsipras-first-interview/ ]