The leader of New Democracy and SYRIZA, Antonis Samaras and Alexis Tsipras, are set to address their supporters in open-air speeches in Athens ahead of the critical elections on Sunday.
The Prime Minister decided against the wishes of his parliamentary group and consultants who feel that an open-air speech is both “risky” and an allusion to the past. Party executives are concerned about the impact of a half-empty Syntagma Square may have on voter intentions and the inevitable comparisons with Mr. Tsipras.
Conversely, Alexis Tsipras has delivered numerous open-air speeches in his election campaign and will attempt to “dismantle” the Prime Minister’s growth plan and overall strategy in his Thursday speech at Omonia Square. The SYRIZA leader will focus on the “Greece or Merkel” dilemma, arguing that his party represents the public interest.
