On his last day in Rome, the leader of SYRIZA Alexis Tsipras met with Nichy Vendola, the president of the Left Ecology Freedom party and Nicola Zingaretti, current governor of Lazio, with whom he discussed his vision of Europe.
Mr. Tsipras explained that “we do not want any other people to find themselves in the place of the Greek people and go through all the hardships. Europe cannot have landlords and tenants”. The SYRIZA leader stressed that aside from addressing the austerity problem, he intends to change migration policy and expand individual and political rights.
Mr. Vendola noted that “the salvation of Europe is in its Mediterranean roots, in Alexis’ Europeanism that resists nationalism, in recognizing individual freedoms such as adopting civil unions for all citizens”. Mr. Vendola confirmed that his party will support Mr. Tsipras in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament and appeared certain that whatever political differences arise can be overcome.
The Governor of Lazio Nicola Zingaretti, who is rumored to be one the center left’s likeliest candidates for the Italian premiership, noted that “Alexis Tsipras political message to European citizen is very interesting”. Mr. Zingaretti reported that he was presented with “innovative ideas” about the reconstruction of Europe. Mr. Tsipras has invited Mr. Zingaretti in Athens on the 6th and 7th of March, where they will be able to carry on their discussions.
Mr. Tsipras on his behalf underlined the importance of the meeting with the two Italian politicians, with who he discussed the impact of the huge budget cuts on local government in both countries. The SYRIZA leader concluded that the key to recovery is not in neoliberal austerity, but in tackling corruption and real waste.
