The leader of the main opposition party SYRIZA Alexis Tsipras gave an in-depth interview to the Skai television network on Monday evening, where he addressed the latest political developments and his plans.
Regarding the critical negotiations with the troika that have stalled, Mr. Tsipras argued that “the government is not negotiating, as usual it acts like a lion at firstand then makes a fool of itself” and estimated that the troika has essentially begun talking with SYRIZA. He was quick to add though that he is “no Harry Potter” and that the people should not have absurd expectations from him and his party.
The discussion moved on to the upcoming Presidential elections, which may trigger early elections. Mr. Tsipras noted that for the past four months Prime Minister Samaras has been urging MPs from opposition parties to defect and vote for a President, in order to avoid early elections. The opposition leader opined that Mr. Samaras would have a “similar fate” to former PM Giorgos Papandreou, should he insist upon this tactic.
When asked if he would attend a meeting with the Prime Minister, if invited, Mr. Tsipras responded that he would attend the meeting, but that he would “not do Chancellor Merkel the favor” and ask her for a meeting, to reject everything that SYRIZA is struggling for. Mr. Tsipras pointed out that should negotiations between a SYRIZA government and the troika fall though, his intention is to implement the proposals he made at the Thessaloniki International Fair.
As for potential post-election alliances, the SYRIZA leader noted that he would not be against the possibility of collaborating with PASOK and argued that his party will neither “whitewash anyone”, nor remain wedded to the mentality his party had when it commanded only 4% of the vote. According to Mr. Tsipras his party “is the mature child of need and rage”.
