AntonisTelopoulos
With a broad agenda, Alexis Tsipras from the podium of the 2nd Conference organized by the Institute bearing his name, presented a new political platform. He also introduced a new term that will surely be discussed in the coming period:
“A new patriotism against oligarchy and kleptocracy. On one side, our homeland; on the other, their wealth. This is the modern dividing line. Against policies and practices that exacerbate inequalities and injustice. A new patriotism in every country individually, and a new internationalism to coordinate our action in a globalized society and economy.”
He stressed the need for a new vision and a new movement that would unite progressive parties, engage those disillusioned with politics, counter far-right demagoguery, and inspire citizens to get off the couch.
This message is at the heart of Tsipras’s new political platform, which he presented at the 2nd Conference for Democracy and Social Justice. The conference featured distinguished representatives of progressive thought and politics from both sides of the Atlantic. Tsipras argues for a new left-wing patriotism that will inspire workers, youth, freelancers, and entrepreneurs – essentially, the world of work, creation, and healthy entrepreneurship.
Political Agenda Fuels Return Rumors
The enthusiastic reception of his speech, delivered at a packed Athens Concert Hall, has reignited rumors about a potential political comeback for Tsipras. While he didn’t directly address these rumors, the audience’s frequent applause and spontaneous calls for his return reflected the atmosphere. “If not now, Alexis, when?” shouted one attendee, highlighting the perceived political vacuum in the center-left space.
Notably, Socrates Famellos, current president of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, appeared somewhat uncomfortable as the party base cheered for Tsipras, signaling broad acceptance of a possible return.
Key Attendees
The event brought together figures from across the spectrum of the once-powerful SYRIZA party:
Socrates Famellos, current party president
Alexis Charitsis, president of the New Left
Olga Gerovasili, Deputy Speaker of Parliament
Giannis Dragasakis, former deputy prime minister
Nikos Voutsis, former parliamentary speaker
Former North Macedonia PM Zoran Zaev
Former caretaker Greek PM Ioannis Sarmas
Christos Rammos, former head of the Hellenic Authority for Communication Security and Privacy, known for exposing wiretapping scandals
Youssef Dorgham, Palestinian Ambassador to Greece
Bernie Sanders’s Intervention
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, speaking via videoconference, discussed American politics and the global challenges of the left. He warned of a small group of billionaires controlling political power in the U.S. and decried figures like Elon Musk as believing they have a divine right to rule, viewing government as an obstacle to their aims. He also flagged the risks of AI and robotics being used to further entrench oligarchic power.
Sanders condemned Trump’s policies on Gaza and Ukraine and called for the left globally to shift its mindset:
“The left must assert that the benefits of technology should be used to create the required global capital to ensure dignity for all. Technology is only good when it serves workers, not just corporate executives.”
