With the phrases “it is clear that Mr. Mitsotakis’s political cycle has come to an end” and “the people are waiting for us to present our vision and plan for an alternative government that will improve their lives and daily routines,” Alexis Tsipras said during the first meeting of the ELAS sector heads, who were recently announced.
Joking, in fact—since it is customary for sector heads of an opposition party to be called “shadow ministers”—he advised them not to be “shadowy,” but “human, three-dimensional, determined, close to the people, in both word and deed.”
At the debut of the “shadow government,” therefore (which began… right on time, breaking the established pattern of major delays), Mr. Tsipras delivered a brief speech that he himself described as a “welcome address.”
The key points were:
-Criticism of the government is well-known and, at this point, easy to voice.
It is more than evident that the overwhelming majority of citizens are dissatisfied with the high cost of living and with the government’s incompetence and lack of will to curb it.
It is more than evident that citizens are dissatisfied with widespread corruption, scandals, and the abuse of the rule of law. Even New Democracy voters.
It is no coincidence, after all, that harsh criticism on these issues comes not only from us but even from former prime ministers of the New Democracy party itself (editor’s note: referring to Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras).
So what citizens are asking of us is not just criticism. It is clear that Mr. Mitsotakis’s political cycle has come to an end.
-The public expects us to present a vision and a plan for an alternative government that will improve their lives and daily routines.
But they also expect a different public image. They expect you to speak clearly, honestly, and specifically. Explain, don’t just try to impress. Persuade, don’t impose.
Speak simply, not simplistically. Speak with evidence, not in a technocratic manner.
With confidence and empathy, not arrogance. With kindness, not weakness. With determination, not aggression.
-But we want—as a political movement, and as individuals—to set a different example of political participation and action.
I would call it a new political ethic—one that does not bow to the allure of power.
To the lure of publicity, a seat in parliament, a ministerial post, and all manner of offices and privileges.
-The late president of EDA, Elias Eliou, once described the path of the Left as a path strewn with melon rinds. Different times, different demands, but make no mistake: The melon rinds remain.
What am I trying to say? There is no easy path ahead to the governance we are striving for.
Everything we want and are committed to doing—to change the country and the lives of the many for the better—is already setting off alarm bells among those who profit from the current situation.
To those who thrive on injustice and corruption.
And they possess not only power but also the worst kind of ill will, as even the most recent history shows.
In short, we are up against a complacent establishment that is primarily concerned with maintaining its comfortable lifestyle and its control over public funds and resources.
We must not fall for the traps they set for us.