The much-touted debate of political leaders concluded late on Wednesday evening, but despite some tension and minor clashes, the audience was left none te wiser, due to the lack of any meaningful discussion among the leaders.
Given that the debate rules had been approved and agreed upon between the parties, the leaders appeared somewhat conservative in their positions, in order to avoid making any mistakes. Nevertheless, the tight framework and limited available time displeased the leaders.
As expected, SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras and New Democracy’s provisional leader Evangelos Meimarakis clashed on many subjects. Mr. Tsipras faced serious criticism over the refugee crisis and his cabinet’s migration policy, aside from reneging on his campaign pledges from January.
During the debate Mr. Tsipras had an argument with Mega Channel journalist Olga Tremi, after E-TV’s Makis Giobazolias commented that certain media should not receive any loans if they are not upholding the law. Mrs. Tremi attempted to respond to the comments, with Mr. Tsipras suggesting that only the guilty get defensive.
Mr. Meimarakis also had a heated exchange with Independent Greeks president Panos Kammenos on an older scandal on military procurements, during his tenure as Minister of National Defense. The ND leader responded by accusing his opponent of acting as a proxy for Mr. Tsipras
The other leaders – KKE’s Dimitris Koutsoumpas, Popular Union’s Panagiotis Lafazanis, The River’s Stavros Theodorakis and PASOK’s Fofi Gennimata – appeared more relaxed during the debate and did not enter any major arguments. With The River and PASOK expected to play a part in the coalition government that will likely emerge from the upcoming elections, both leaders were somewhat conservative in their responses.
