SYRIZA and its leader Alexis Tsipras achieved a resounding victory under absolutely adverse conditions.
His seven months in power were not the best, the referendum result was reversed by the third bailout agreement, his party broke up and Mr. Tsipras was forced to call early elections in order to confirm the people’s support after his turn to Europe in the summer.
The Greek people gave him a clear mandate and the power to move ahead on the European course without reservations.
Mr. Tsipras won because the people who in January deemed that he best represents their interests where not discouraged by his first seven months in power despite the problems and insisted upon their choice.
In other words, the voters demonstrated in the cleared way that they consider Mr. Tsipras to be the best exponent of their interest and how they trust him more than his many opponents.
His political stratagem succeeded, the risk he assumed paid off and now he has a clear path to govern decisively and efficiently, without any apparent obstructions of powerful inter-party enemies.
He now has to face the commitments he has personally undertaken towards Europe along with the huge financial problem of the country.
Mr. Tsipras has three reviews ahead of him and the obligation to pass a number of prerequisite measures in order to ensure the uninterrupted funding of the country, to secure the domestic banking system and shape the conditions for a return to growth.
The Prime Minister will need at least one year of major efforts and efficient governing in order to stabilize the economy and created the conditions for better days to come for the people who trusted for a second time.
The challenge is obvious and huge. He has the trust of the people, he now has the experience and power, he knows the European environment, he is aware of the geopolitical balances – he is not allowed to fail.
It is in his hand to succeed and truly evolve into a long-term leader.
Antonis Karakousis
