Alexis Tsipras Advocates for Leftward Political Shift and Economic Reforms at Piraeus Conference

At a conference held at the Piraeus Municipal Theater on Tuesday evening, former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras emphasised the need to restore political balance to the left and address the pressing economic challenges facing Greece.

The event, organised by the Alexis Tsipras Institute, focused on “The Price Crisis – Challenges and Prospects of the Greek Economy.”

Tsipras highlighted that the critical national issue is to reverse the ongoing “impoverishment and divergence process” driven by an economy overly reliant on tourism and real estate. He proposed that Greece’s new national objective should mirror the significant milestones of the past, such as EU accession in the 1970s and 1980s, joining the eurozone in the 1990s, and exiting the crisis in 2010. He called for an acceleration of economic convergence, prioritising social cohesion and inclusivity for the working class, which has been pivotal in maintaining the country’s stability.

To achieve these goals, Tsipras insisted on the need to confront powerful economic interests to foster healthy competition and reduce inequalities. He advocated for a fair taxation system targeting significant wealth and high incomes, as well as measures to combat tax evasion. Tsipras also called for a banking sector that supports innovation and small to medium-sized enterprises rather than perpetuating clientelism or favouring oligopolies. Additionally, he suggested creating an energy market governed by bilateral contracts, similar to other European countries, to lower prices controlled by a handful of companies.

In discussing the current political landscape, Tsipras raised concerns about the potential for a rightward shift in Greece’s political system if the left does not regain its footing. He noted the troubling rise of far-right movements across Europe and pointed to a slow, emerging response from social opposition in Greece, despite the current dominance of the ruling party in opinion polls.

Tsipras stressed that no reform plan could succeed without mobilizing the majority of Greek society. He called for a “great development shock,” akin to those during the eras of Trikoupis and Venizelos, to seize the opportunity for convergence. This, he said, should involve implementing a National Restructure Plan as a top priority, focusing on the effective use of European resources, reforms in public administration and justice, and the bolstering of institutions. He underscored the importance of sustainable public and private investments, particularly in infrastructure, human resources, and the National Health System, as Greece looks towards 2030.

(Source: Amna)