Return to national politics and election strategy

Former prime minister Alexis Tsipras delivered a four-hour press conference at the Vellidion Conference Centre during the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair on 9 September 2026. Appearing for the first time as president of the Hellenic Left Coalition (ELAS), Tsipras framed his return to frontline politics as an effort to defeat Kyriakos Mitsotakis and New Democracy. He stated that he returned because he saw no other prospect of defeating the incumbent administration, dismissing suggestions that he aims merely for a modest opposition share. Tsipras ruled out accepting a third-party compromise figure as prime minister in any future coalition talks, arguing that prime ministers must be chosen by voters rather than negotiated behind closed doors. He also noted that if ELAS finishes first without an absolute majority, he will seek an agreement on a policy programme with other democratic opposition forces.

“When the time comes for us to be first and hold discussions, we will reach out to the parties of the democratic opposition. If there is a response, there will be a government. If there is no response, we will go to elections again.”

Relations with PASOK and coalition positioning

Addressing relations with PASOK, Tsipras distinguished between political rivals and electoral competitors. He stated that ELAS and PASOK are competitors rather than direct opponents, identifying New Democracy and Mitsotakis as the sole political adversary. Tsipras explained that holding a second election would not represent a disaster if initial coalition negotiations fail, arguing that a repeat vote would clarify voter preferences. He pointed to public opinion data indicating that over 70% of citizens desire a change in government. A survey conducted by GPO for STAR placed ELAS at 16% in vote estimates, closely matched with PASOK at 12.8%, before PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis presents his own platform at the fair.

ELAS16%

PASOK12.8%

ELAS

16 %

PASOK

12.8 %

Data from the article text

Economic proposals and fiscal debate

Tsipras defended the economic programme he presented the previous week, describing it as his most structured and left-wing address in 14 years of attending the Thessaloniki International Fair. A central plank of the platform involves a patriotic contribution levied on the wealthiest 1% of the population, specifically targeting large bank deposits and major assets rather than standard residential holdings. Tsipras rejected government assertions that his economic proposals would cost €13 billion annually, labelling that calculation a surrealist painting prepared in advance. He directed fiscal criticism back at the prime minister, asserting that Mitsotakis tripled New Democracy's party debt from €200 million. Tsipras also announced plans to launch an application on the ELAS website allowing citizens to track party finances and donations in real time.

Party management and foreign policy

Reflecting on his previous tenure in government and his leadership of SYRIZA, Tsipras acknowledged past administrative errors in party management. He conceded that he had previously shown excessive tolerance toward individual agendas among party officials, pledging strict internal discipline and cohesion for ELAS. Turning to international affairs, Tsipras criticized the government's foreign policy as one-dimensional, stating that he would have extended Greece's territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Eastern Mediterranean. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis issued a statement rejecting Tsipras's positions shortly after the conference concluded.

“Whoever went through the process of watching Mr. Tsipras's press conference reached one conclusion: the notorious rebranding was simply wasted money. He remains consistently the same and unaltered.”