Interview of SYRIZA–PS Spokesperson Kostas Zachariadis to Political Newspaper
“Building a Progressive Social and Political Majority”
In an interview with the newspaper Political and journalist Giannis Sp. Parginos, the spokesperson of SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance, Kostas Zachariadis, outlined the party’s political priorities and strategy for the period ahead, stressing the need to form a broad progressive social and political majority.
Key points from the interview:
- Political participation and political ethics:
Every citizen has the right to engage in politics in the way they choose. Zachariadis rejected what he described as a “despicable argument” used by some within the government—namely, claims that individuals are “instrumentalizing personal tragedy.” He emphasized that this marks a fundamental difference in political ethics and tone between the Left and the Right.
- A progressive alternative to New Democracy:
Zachariadis argued that a political way out for the country must come from a strong progressive pole opposed to New Democracy. He rejected apolitical or anti-political approaches that seek to discredit the political system as a whole, insisting that the Left–Right distinction remains crucial; otherwise, responsibility for the policies of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his government becomes blurred.
- On the memoranda and public debt:
He dismissed claims that Alexis Tsipras signed the “worst memorandum” or mortgaged the country for 100 years. According to Zachariadis, Greece entered the bailout programs with significant responsibility borne by New Democracy and exited them in 2018 under the SYRIZA government, with debt restructuring in place. He added that public property was protected from plunder and can be utilized for the benefit of society by a government with a progressive strategy.
- Programmatic struggle and alliances:
SYRIZA–PS, he said, is fighting on the basis of its program and political values, fully aware that the political system is in a transitional phase. Alliances, political leaps, syntheses, and cooperation will be necessary for the next day.
- Recomposition of the progressive space:
The overarching objective is the recomposition and broader unity of the progressive camp, aiming to form a progressive social and political majority in the upcoming elections.
- Government legitimacy and the role of society:
Zachariadis stated that the Mitsotakis government has lost its social legitimacy and now relies on the fragmentation of the opposition. Addressing this situation, he concluded, will require decisive action—and the active contribution of society will be critical to that process.
